The Present Day has moved to Wordpress!

After many weeks and months of preparation, I'm delighted to announce that The Present Day has rebranded and moved! I have decided to begin selling and blogging under my own name - Suzi Buchan! There are many reasons for my change in branding, and my decision to move the blog - much more information is available on my new blog - suzibuchan.co.uk!


So, what can you expect to find on suzibuchan.co.uk? The blog is aimed at creative solopreneurs, with a particular focus on those who are in the earliest stages of starting up their business. Crafters who have so far only dreamed of selling their products online should definitely take a look too! Starting out is one of the scariest, most baffling and most exhilarating stages of being a creative solopreneur. There are so many things to learn, so many challenges to face and countless fears and doubts to contend with along the way. But does that mean you shouldn’t try? NO! It means that you need to know the places where you can find the help and support that will enable you to live your dreams!

On my new blog you can expect to find inspiring tips and motivating advice, creative solutions to your solopreneur challenges, thought-provoking articles, and even some free, shiny, creative goodies thrown in! So what are you waiting for? Head over there now to subscribe to my RSS feed, join my mailing list and benefit from all of the exciting content coming your way soon!

Join in now at: http://suzibuchan.co.uk/

You can also find me at:

My Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/suzibuchan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/suzibuchan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzi-Buchan/161911597207315

I look forward to seeing you on suzibuchan.co.uk!

And The Winner Is...!

Just a few short weeks ago I decided that the time had come to host my first ever blog giveaway. It was a VERY exciting step for me, and I wasn't without my doubts! What if no one entered? What if I messed it up in some unfathomable way? In taking this step I hoped that I would at least gain a few entries, but I certainly never expected the kind of response which this giveaway received! 

I am thrilled to announce that the giveaway received a total of 110 entries from 36 individual entrants! Before I get down to the focus of this post - announcing the winner - I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who took the time to stop by and visit my little corner of Etsy, Facebook and Twitter pages, and of course to enter the giveaway! I have looked forward to this day with growing impatience ever since the opening of the giveaway! I am so happy to finally announce that the winner of the decoupaged hairbrush of their choice is....

... Liz! 

Liz entered earlier this morning, in the last few hours of the giveaway being open! It's always worth entering, even at the last minute! Congratulations on your win, Liz! I'll be emailing you very soon so that you can claim your prize, with the option to have it personalized if you wish! 

And for those who didn't win? Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you! As a sign of my appreciation to all my lovely blog readers, I have a runner up prize - a 10% discount on any purchase from The Present Day! In order to claim your discount, just enter the code GIVEAWAY1706 at the checkout! In celebration of the amazing 110 entries received in this giveaway, the discount code will be valid for 110 days, ending on Wednesday 5th October 2011! So make sure you use it before then!

Many thanks once again to each and every person who entered my giveaway. You're all awesome! <3

- Suzi

Etsy Seller Feature: HotGlueHangover

Birthday Pink 12 Inch Wreath by HotGlueHangover

If you have ever strayed into the team forums, or done a spot of networking on Etsy, there's a very good chance you'll have come across today's featured seller! I first discovered Natalie's work while networking on Etsy, and I was immediately impressed by her drive and enthusiasm. She seemed like she was on a mission and that she was determined to reach her goals and achieve great things. Inspiration just resonated from her, and it drew me to take a closer look at her shop. That was when I discovered her beautiful handmade products! In her fascinating shop you will find gorgeous eco-bracelets and vibrant wreaths, all of which have evidently been made with love, care and a dash of inspiration! Read on to learn more about Natalie and the inspiration behind her brand!  


Tell me a little about yourself and your shop.
I am a teacher by day crafter by night but now that it's summer I get to be full time crafter yeah! My shop is a mix of wreaths and eco - friendly items. My husband wanted to take part in my shop but I don't think bling is his thing. So I'm the bling and he's the "manly" stuff. I really love making wreaths and what is better than putting a piece of art on your door for all to see!

What made you decide to sell on Etsy? 
I've been a buyer on Etsy for about a year - I think half my wedding I bought on Etsy. I've always loved to scrapbook and make items and i kept looking at items and going - hey I've made that. So it got me thinking - WHY am I not doing this?? So I did. Pretty simple really.

How would you describe your brand in a sentence?
My brand is Texas in a box. A little but of my home city Austin (eco-friendly) with a mix of my current Dallas (bling and shabby chic). Fun funky and bright is how my house looks so why not my wreaths as well!


What does "success" mean to you?

Success fortunately for me is not necessarily making a profit right now. Someday sure but right now it's because I really like to do it and to be honest i love the community of it. Being a teacher I don't work for a huge paycheck - you just do it because it makes your heart happy. And that is always WAY better than being money rich. Although a trip to Hawaii would be nice =)

Who or what inspires you to create?
I would say what inspires me to create are just the items i see everyday. A couple of days ago I was watching a sunset and thought to myself - A sunset wreath - that would be beautiful. I don't think you can force yourself to be creative. If I don't feel like it I don't do it. You can tell the items that are forced. HAVE FUN!

Where can we find HotGlueHangover?
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HotGlueHangover
Blog: www.thehotgluehangover.com
FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Glue-Hangover/104758686280616
Twitter: Hotgluehangover


So head over and check out HotGlueHangover's shop and blog! Follow Natalie on Twitter and Facebook and spread the love around the Etsy community! Would you like to be considered for an Etsy seller feature? Contact me with your details at thepresentday(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk! 

Etsy Seller Feature: PerkyPosy

Fabric Flower Hair Clip Blue Floral by PerkyPosy

While browsing Etsy recently, I had the very good fortunate to discover a shop which I felt instantly inspired by. With super cute products and bright, attractive photographs this shop immediately drew me in! That is why I am thrilled to announce that PerkyPosy is the subject of my first ever Etsy Seller Feature!

Tell us a little about yourself and your shop
My name is Kelsey. I'm married to my high-school sweetheart and we have 2 fantastic kids. My grandpa gave me the nickname, Perky as a young girl. I think it describes my fun garden-inspired accessories perfectly.

How did you begin selling on Etsy? 

PerkyPosy was founded to help satisfy my love for making pretty things. Coming from a family of creative women, I've always been crafting. When I was pregnant with my daughter about 3 years ago, I began thinking in dresses and bows. I wanted to make every frilly, girly thing I could. Then, I came across a tutorial on Kanzashi and it was all over. You see, I love flowers, but can't grow them. My husband has the green thumb in the family. So I started "growing" a fabric garden.

What does "success" mean to you?
Success, to me, is happiness. In my life, I want a happy family and in my business, I want happy customers. If I work hard, enjoy what I do and just do the best I possibly can, it's a success.

Who or what inspires you to create?
My darling daughter and amazing son inspire me most. My son encourages me and gives me great ideas. My little girl is the perfect tester for all the little pretties I create. She's happy to claim the first of every design, put them in her curls and prance around playing dress up. Too cute!


How would you like your Etsy shop to progress?
I'd love to expand my products to include more than accessories though still centered on my fabric flower theme. I have a notebook full of ideas including clothing, jewelry & home decor.


What is your favourite thing in your shop?

Although I like them all very much, my favorite design is the modern kanzashi in my shop. It's based on the japanese art of folding fabric into flower petals. I love that I can't quite tell what the fabric patterns will look like until they're complete. It's like a little surprise every time I finish one!

Where can we find PerkyPosy? 

Etsy: www.perkyposy.com
Blog: www.perkyposy.blogspot.com
FB: www.facebook.com/perkyposy
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/perkyposy

Head over to PerkyPosy's Blog now for her first ever giveaway! The giveaway is open until the 15th of June 2011 and gives you the chance to win a gorgeous PerkyPosy packing including 5 

handmade accessories!

Would you like to be considered for an Etsy seller feature? Contact me with your details at thepresentday(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk! 

Decoupaged Hairbrush Giveaway!

It's Saturday again! I hope everyone is having a great weekend - it's about to get even better! I am thrilled to welcome you to The Present Day blog just in time for my first ever giveaway! I'm so excited! I had intended to wait until my blog is more established before running a giveaway, but I must admit to having no patience! And so I'm holding the giveaway now as a small token of my appreciation to everyone who has supported me by following and commenting on my blog since it began 2 weeks ago.

And so down to business - the giveaway! The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive the decoupaged hairbrush of their choice from my shop - www.thepresentday.co.uk . In addition to this, they will have the option of personalising their hairbrush with an initial, as seen here. These fun, stylish designs are set on 6.25" wooden hairbrushes which are perfect for carrying in your handbag, or as a unique gift for a special friend or relative! The giveaway is open for worldwide participation, and shipping is included, bringing the value of this giveaway to £15 ($24.50)!

There is one condition for entry, and it is this - You must be a follower of The Present Day blog! Please note that following the blog does not automatically enter you into the giveaway - read on for instructions on how to enter! In order to gain your first entry into the giveaway please comment on this blog post, telling me which item from my shop is your favourite! It's that simple! One quick comment, and you're in with a chance of winning yourself a stylish decoupaged hairbrush to treasure, or gift to a special someone! 

But maybe one entry isn't enough? Maybe you want several chances to win the prize? Then read on, because more entries are available! To gain additional entries, you can do any or all of the following:

- Like my Facebook Page!

- Follow me on Twitter!

- Add The Present Day to your circle on Etsy!

- Promote this giveaway on Facebook!

- Promote this giveaway on Twitter!

Remember, you MUST follow my blog and tell me your favourite item from my shop in order for any of your additional entries to count!

And so you have it - 6 possible entries into the giveaway! The winner will be chosen completely at random, so give yourself the greatest possible chance of winning by entering as many times as possible! Make sure that you mention any of the additional entry options you have taken up in your comment, and provide an email address so that I can contact you if you are the lucky winner! 


One comment per person please!

The giveaway will close on Friday the 17th of June and the winner will be announced the following day! Any questions? Email me at thepresentday@hotmail.co.uk! Good luck!