Because Everyone Loves Cupcakes

Have I mentioned how much I love Etsy? It is probably one of the best websites....ever. You can find some AMAZINGLY talented gals and guys on there and it's much more satisfying buying handmade knowing someone put hours of work into what you purchased. 

Because I love handmade shops so much, I have decided to start featuring some of my favorites here! I handpicked this first shop, ladawnelaine because I have a not-so-secret passion for baking cupcakes (I mean who doesn't) and I'm obsessed with teeny tiny decorations. So without further ado, let's meet LaDawn, our friend from the North (Ontario, Canada) the owner and mastermind behind ladawnelaine 

Tell us a little about yourself -
I live with my husband Jordan who is a graphics designer, (www.whiteboarddesign.com), and our 7 month old puppy, Moose. Crafting is one of my favorite things, and my husband often works late into the evening. We have offices across from each other and while he's working on graphic design, I'm often working on a project too!

Hold on..back up! Let's all take a moment to bask in Moose's cute-ness. Want more? Follow him on his Instagram @moosetheschnauzer

Tell us a little about your "free" time:
My idea of downtime is creative time! I love having a project on the go. Whether that means sewing up a storm, or baking something sweet! In my shop I sell party decor as well as handmade gift packaging. I just recently started making homemade cakepops (deliciously moist cake on a stick covered in melting chocolate), and am planning to start a local business selling them this summer! 

What lead you to open ladawnelaine?
Planning for our wedding several years ago, I realized how much fun it was to DIY, so to speak! That's how my shop came to be. 

What is your favorite item to make?
I quite enjoy making cupcake toppers! It's a relaxing pastime for me and takes my mind off of my busy teaching schedule!

If you could offer a piece of advice to fellow small business owners, what would it be?
If you are putting your best foot forward, and creating items that YOU love and would buy, chances are, your customers will be more interested in your products, too!

Do you offer custom orders?
Yes, a lot of my cupcake toppers are customizable. I do custom colored drawstring bags as well! 

Do you like to use your own products?
There is a leather gift card pouch currently listed in my shop which is my favorite item at the moment! I created one for my husband last Christmas, and decided to make a few more since he loved it so much! They're made with high quality cowhide leather.

Yeah...but WHY buy handmade?
Supporting the handmade community is important to me because it connects you to the artist on a more intimate level. I think products are that much more enjoyable when you know their back story!

Now because you guys are so amazing, LaDawn has provided us all with her coupon code SUMMERSHIP for free shipping in her shop! The best part, she ships to Canada, US, and Australia! Her shop has amazing custom cupcake toppers and bags and they are all very reasonably priced. You can get a set of 24 toppers (the perfect amount for all you box mix users) for only $15. You can also upgrade for only $3 more and get a fully customizable message to put in the little flags! shop ladawnelaine on Etsy here

I hope you all have officially fallen in love with LaDawn, her cupcake toppers (and Moose) and show her some social media love...and don't forget to mention In A Dream Boutique!  

Follow LaDawn on Twitter & Instagram @ladawnouellette