New Year... New Name!

Happy New Year everyone!!  We are one week into 2011 and I already know its going to be a great year for Christine Taylor Designs!!  That's right I said Christine Taylor DESIGNS!!  I started this business 4 years ago as Christine Taylor QUILTS and have since changed the name.  

rag quilt

When I started this business I was making and selling only rag quilts.  I loved making them and loved hearing about the joy they brought to the little ones I was making them for.  When I was young we had a quilt that was at my Grandparents cottage, it was an old patchwork style quilt that we would lay on, play on and sleep with.  It always stayed at the cottage and it was for everyone in the family to use  I can still remember this quilt many many years later and its a treasured heirloom in our family.  I was inspired by this quilt to make one of my own, I started giving quilts as gifts, mostly for my friends who were having babies.  They loved them and often suggested that I sell them.  Being a stay at home mom with my first child, I found I had some time on my hands (babies sleep a lot!!) I thought I would give it a try.  The first quilt I made I sold on eBay and it started a bidding war!  I was thrilled.  That was when Christine Taylor Quilts was born!!  For many more years I made and sold over 100 quilts in all different sizes to Clients all over North America.  I loved my little business and it kept me busy! 

Hooded Towel



In 2009 I started to branch out with some other products, I experimented with patterns for things like crayon rolls, pencil crayon rolls, and purse organizers.  These items were big sellers around the holidays.  I had a great feeling about 2010 and all the possibilities that it held for me and my little business.  In April I introduced one of my best selling and most popular products, hooded towels.  These towels have been gifted for birthdays, showers and Christmas and have helped raise money for a wonderful charity, the Ronald McDonald House Hamilton.  I quickly found my business growing from a part time commitment to a full time commitment.  Luckily my Son started school in September which freed up some more time for the holiday rush, and rush it was, it was so wonderful seeing former Clients return with orders for the holidays.  I introduced many more products for the holidays, items such as mitten clips, coin purses, gadget cases, key fobs and makeup bag sets were a huge hit at the craft sales and shows I attended this past fall.  These shows allowed me to meet some of my wonderful and supportive Clients face to face which was so rewarding.

mitten clips

paperclip bookmark



camera strap cover

Now that 2011 is officially here I find myself reflecting on what a wonderful year 2010 was and wondering if 2011 will bring the same good fortune.  I have already introduced some great products like camera strap covers, note totes, the travel set, paperclip bookmarks and pacifier clips.  I have officially changed the business name to Christine Taylor Designs in all correspondence and marketing materials.  I have a brand new professionally designed logo and I am exploring some great new advertising opportunities. I have so many new ideas swirling around in my head for the upcoming shows and sales I will be attending this year.  2011 feels like it will be as good as or better than 2010 and I feel as if my hard work is finally paying off!! 

 

pacifier clip





I am so grateful to have the support of my family and the kind words of new clients and repeat customers to help me along the way.  I often try to give back by offering giveaways and deals on my facebook fan page and website.  Currently we have a contest on the go until January 15th, if you email contest@christinetaylordesigns.com you have the chance to win a note tote and a matching key fob.  You must be a member of the facebook page to win and their is an additional draw if we reach 1000 fan page members by the deadline!! 

The new year is a time to reflect on the year that has past and the potential for the coming year and I think that I have done that in this posting (sorry if I have bored any of you).  One of the big questions come January is what are your resolutions are for the new year, I usually don't make resolutions since I find people just break them mid January anyways, but I do have some goals for 2011, so here goes (please note this is so you can hold me to these), ok here goes:

• blog more (yes I jumped off the blogging bandwagon when things got busy).
• set goals and stick to them (setting goals.... check...)
• don't be afraid to face new challenges (those of you who know the obstacles I faced last fall trying to find the perfect pattern for an apron can take comfort in the fact that I will persevere).
• focus on designing new and unique products with a purpose (I consider being pretty a purpose just so you know).
• Focus on "doing my thing and doing it the best that I can 'cause that's all I can do".
• Attend more shows and sales and network with other great businesses and clients.
• Offer lots of contests and giveaways because people love free stuff (who's with me???)
• Figure out exactly how to use twitter (really people... I have no clue). 
• Use my business and products to give back to those who need a little help (check out the story on my website regarding giving back).
• Finally (for now), remember work life balance, the kids are only little once.

Wishing all of you health, happiness and success for 2011!

Hey.... Remember Me?

Ok, you know its been a long time since I last blogged when I can't remember the blog address or my password.... Now that I have that straightened away I don't remember what I was going to blog about, lol.

Lots of things have been happening since my last posting in April.... to say that business is booming is an understatement.... I started a blog as a fun way to let readers know about the story behind each item I was creating.... now I barely have time to share photos of the completed projects let alone blog about each one. So I am going to attempt to blog biweekly and let you know what is going on in my corner of the world.

Christmas orders are coming in daily and I am really trying to keep up. Earlier in the year I was able to complete orders in a week or so, now I am working on orders 3 or 4 weeks behind (quilts are 6 to 8 weeks)!! I can't believe it, it is exciting and busy all at the same time but I am very greatful for all that has come my way this year.

I have had some new product ideas that I would like to share with you.

This is the new curvy coin purse, it has a loop and a key ring to attach it to your keys, its great for quick trips to the gym, the mall, the grocery store, mailbox, etc.

This is the gadget case, it also has a loop, but with a lobster clip so that it can be clipped to a backpack, purse or key ring. It is interfaced for stiffness and protection and has a zipper closure on it. Its great for blackberrys, iphones, cell phones, GPS units, cameras etc.

This is an eyeglasses case. For some reason I can not rotate the pic (sorry), it is great for eye glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses. It has a very stiff interfacing to give it shape and a magnetic closure to keep those glasses in place.

This is the mini wallet, it is just large enough to hold a few cards, some money and even business cards. It also comes with a key ring to attach it to your keys.

This is the "joanne mini" purse. It is a smaller version of the "Joanne Bag" that I offer. It is a cute size for an evening out or even for a little girls first purse.

I will be participating in 3 shows this fall, the shows are listed on my website and facebook page with more info. I participated in my first show this past Septemeber called "Bella Noche", it was a lot of fun and a great sucess for all involved which encouraged me to sign on for 3 more shows this fall. I have been creating many many items for these shows and can't wait to showcase them.