I found a little Zazzle treasure: Madottas Gift Shop!

“Madotta” is the name of two little and cute boy and girl cartoon characters drawn by Media, who is a very talented artist selling her art on many different products on Zazzle.

Media is running a cute Zazzle store and a great website, where you can create and customize your own Madotta designs.

I have to say: All are so lovely that it is difficult to decide which one to take!

Together by madotta
Browse other Valentines day Postcards

You can choose from various designs and hundreds of different products – each one so unique!

……..

Click on one of the Madotta category images to visit different Madotta store categories.

And here are my three favorites:

A lovely water melon design (Ready for summer?)

Madotta: Lovely Watermelon by madotta

A cute Save me! iPhone 4 cover…

Madotta: Save me! by madotta 

…and last but not least
the right gift to start a beautiful day with a loverd person:

Madptta: On a big heart by madotta 

All Madotta designs make great gifts for good friends and everyone you love. – Did you buy a gift from Madotta? Please share your experience and leave a comment!

If you are interested in other great Zazzle artist, check out the following interviews:

Related articles

• Zazzle Featured Seller Interview with fancybelle (zazzle.com)
• Zazzle Featured Seller Interview with allpetscherished (zazzle.com)

Tell a little bit more:
• How did you come to Zazzle?
By a search engine.

• What’s your kind of art?
Digital Fantasy & Surreal Art and modern designs.

My first store: http://www.zazzle.com/houk – here you can find my artworks.

My new store: http://www.zazzle.com/bestcases4u.
Checkout some great custom cases for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 4G, BlackBerry, Samsung Galaxy S and iPad.
If you’re looking for something in particular that is not listed, please contact us. We are adding new styles daily.

This post was submitted by BestCases4u.

Did you discover that Zazzle offers a new product? Now you can design your own rickshaw bags!

A powerhouse of versatility, the Rickshaw Zero Messenger Bag is perfect as a workday commuter, overnight attaché, or travel bag! Vibrantly printed with your custom artwork or text on rugged polyester and designed with a unique accessories system, this bag is as customizable inside as it is outside. Handmade for you with a focus on environmental sustainability, this bag combines beautiful form, function, and a small ecological footprint.

• Water resistant, extra durable (machine-washable).
• Large main compartment and 2 front pockets.
• Lightweight and forms to your body.
• Quick-adjust cam shoulder strap.
• Velcro strips accessory system; Holds a 13” laptop w/optional sleeve.
• Handmade with a sustainability focus in San Francisco, CA.

And: Zazzle offers tons of great essential accessories, too – wether you are searching for a cross strap or a laptop sleeve…it’s all there!

I discovered them today and just started to add some of my designs to these great messenger bags – I’m sure Arabic and Islamic designs will make this messenger bag a very useful gift to any Muslim…for school, university, work, shopping!

Here are the first designs that will be offered in Cammily’s Asalaam store – to visit, simply click on the image.

Designs:

- Hijabi Lady in pink or blue

- Arabic writing of Allah

- Spices in an Arabic Souq

- Damascus at night (Syria)

 

Related articles

• Gear: Timbuk2 Command Messenger Bag (sfgate.com)
• HEX Recon and Varsity messenger bags let you carry your tablet in style (ubergizmo.com)

I’m really excited! Today I received my first Zazzle products ever, thanks to ValeriesGallery and her Facebook promotion!

I received:

1. one beautiful necklace – design: five birds on a tree
2. one sweet tote bag (budget tote) – design: five birds on a tree (so I have 10….;)…)

I thought maybe you will be curious what Zazzle products look like in reality, not only as online designs and images, but as real products.

I received them as separated packages on 9th August…it seems it only took approx 7 days to reach from USA to Germany, so shipping was really fast.

The quality of the little necklace is great – colours look beautiful and the necklace itself is really shiny.

The quality of the tote bag is fine too, although the colours are not as bright as I like them to be…they are not really vibrant (maybe because of the soft pink of the design itself, which comes close to the tote bag’s colour…) – and what to say about a tote bag (sorry, I don’t have a photo right now…), it seems to me that you CAN carry a lot with it, the sewing is good and well-done. The cotton is a little bit rough-textured, so don’t expect a bag of silk .

This is how they appear in Valerie’s store:

5 Blue Birds in a Tree Bag by ValeriesGallery

5 Blue birds in a Tree Necklace by ValeriesGallery

So I think the necklace looks in reality a lot more beautiful than on Zazzle’s product preview – the budget (!) tote bag is a budget tote bag …and looks more beautiful on Zazzle, because you can’t see the rough structure of the textil.

Please visit Valerie’s Gallery, because she has really some beautiful products there (not only for bird lovers)!

What a surprise! Zazzle restarted the ProSeller program! I  passed the line of 100$+ lifetime earnings a while ago – but really forgot about the ProSeller program. A few days ago I got a mail telling me: Congratulations – you are a ProSeller!

Zazzle says “Zazzle ProSellers are the most successful Sellers on Zazzle.” – So I won’t consider myself as a Zazzle beginner anymore (that doesn’t mean there is nothing left to learn!) . I’m really satisfied with my “Zazzle career” – with or without a ProSeller badge.

I know there are many new ProSeller Zazzle artists out there, so I would like to tell a big CONGRATULATION to all new ProSellers,  and a big THANK YOU to everybody of this great Zazzle community.

Many Zazzle artists (non-ProSellers) wonder: What does it mean to be a ProSeller? And how to become a ProSeller?

Well, let’s say it simple: To be a basic ProSeller doesn’t mean anything, except that you sold enough to earn more than 100$.  …but if we have a closer look it means

- You sold enough products to get 100$ +

means =>

1. you created enough products and / or
2. you have high quality products and / or
3. you promoted your products a lot and / or
4. you have enough patience to keep going
5. you have really generous friends buying your products

There is no other way to become a ProSeller than earning earning earning.

Some reach ProSeller status within one year (like me), others within a few months, others need a lot more time (and there are some, they will never – I believe the only reasons are missing motivation, time or ambition).

This are the requirements of 2011:

Advantages of being a ProSeller depend on your ProSeller status, some examples are:

• Official ProSeller Badge
• ProSeller Forum Access
• Annual Free Business Cards (100) (Bronze Seller and up)
• ProSeller Newsletter
• Access to 1-800 ProSeller Support (Bronze Seller and up)
• Limited Edition Silver Printed Shirt (Silver Seller and up)
• more, more more.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a ProSeller, visit the Zazzle ProSeller Website.

I don’t like squidoo – to be honest!

I started a squidoo  page there about Islamic gifts, and since they deleted the squidcast option – squidoo is not an option any more, at least for me. I will keep my Islamic gift page there, but will focus on a new project more: http://www.myislamicgifts.com (Oh I’m really happy about the address! …and I’ll add a Zazzle store, too.)

I want to create a blog totally dedicated to Islamic gifts of all kinds, not only from Zazzle but from everywhere. I want to collect products, write little reviews about them, present them, give a place to vote…

This new website will be only about Islamic gifts, gifts and presents for muslims, including greeting and wedding cards. What does Islamic gift mean? It means a gift that carries an Islamic message…somehow. It can be a greeting card with a beautiful calligraphy, or any other product that has an Islamic design. It can be something to motivate you to practise your religion, something to remind you (or others) of your faith.

I added a few first products, for example a free song of Yusuf Islam and some greeting cards, more to come. And as soon as it is running, I will add a detailed description of my new blog here.

Ramadan is coming, so my next things to do are designing some new Ramadan cards and adding content to my new blog. Uh, Ramadan…it will be my 1st Zazzle anniversary …I started last year in August, and I’m happy I’m still motivated . Thanks to sales, and thanks to a very great Zazzle artist community!

Uh…a long day of designing, creating, posting and promoting – and no sales!
You know what I’m talking about – the feeling of wasting your time with your Zazzle Store…there are so many other things we could do! Why to spent hours in front of your pc, just waiting for the “pling” of a new mail telling you “sold!” …and then you get 0,5 cents…if you get them.

Do you feel you are wasting your time? – You are not!

… only in case you give up!

How to stay motivated?

1. don’t work more than you can, let it be fun, not stress
2. change tasks: one day create new designs, another day promote your store
3. have a little notebook with you, wherever you go…you won’t forget the great design you have in mind while sitting in a boring university seminar
4. take a Zazzle “holiday” if you are bored …you are not allowed to visit the Zazzle forum or Zazzle website for 5 days …and believe me, after you will be curious again!
5. purchase your own products – it’s really something else to have something in your hand than just to see it on a screen
6. read stories of other Zazzle artists about making a living on Zazzle!
7. use different ways of promoting…if you choose to blog about your products, keep in mind that a blog needs promotion, too.
8. join the Zazzle Photo Friday with your own purchased product…show it to the world that your designs are great
9. small steps are great steps …product 25 is as great as product 8999…they all have the same chance to be sold!
10. Set up a magic line! Try to reach 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 products…
11. Zazzle is patient, be patient, too.

Do you have more ideas to stay motivated?
Please write a comment about or share on Facebook. Talk to you soon! … and keep going!

كل عام و أنتم بخير (Kul 3am wa antum bikhair)

When did you write such sentence by hand on a greeting card? Last Ramadan? Don’t remember?

No, I don’t mean the little e-card every Ramadan or Eid, which is sent as bulk to all friends – I mean a real one – written by pen and with a beautiful stamp on the envelope.

What joy and happiness it can bring, if your loved ones open the box – and a bunch of beautiful letters and greeting cards is waiting for them!

Why not to take the next occasion – Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr – and to send a lovely message with a beautiful greeting or a nice verse from Quran. It is more lovely than an e-card – and not as expensive as you might think.

Ramadan cards

Eid cards:

Zazzle offers a great collection of Ramadan Cards – and discount on bulk orders, too.

2011 is a year of change – especially and hopefully in the Arab World. Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria…just to mention a few. All of them are striving for freedom.

I decided to try to help somehow – all earnings that I will get from Zazzle from the “Arab Spring” category in my Zazzle store will be donated to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis fund of Islamic Relief USA.

Even if you don’t like to buy anything, please forward the message to raise awareness by sharing it over facebook or your blog.

One month ago I was in Syria and now that I’m back I feel so angry and somehow helpless. There is no freedom of speech, people disappear…sometimes they come back, sometimes not. And the situation is really escalating – at the beginning “only” males had participated in demonstrations, always at risk to be shot down by military or “secret gangs” (I doubt they exist….), later females joined…then children… and even children are shot down. They disappear as adults do, they are tortured as adults are.  Did you hear about the story of the 13-year old boy Hamza al-Khateeb?

Hamzah Ali Alkhateeb, a boy of only 13 years, went with his family from Aljeezah in the march to break the siege in Deraa, he was among the unlucky hundreds detained during the massacre of Seda in front of the army barrier.
Hamzah’s dead body was later handed over to his family with clear traces of torture, bruises, bullet wounds and worse of all… his genitals were cut off.
The story of Hamza is unfortunately one of many. There are many men, women, children, elderly are yet to return to their families. One cannot imagine the amount of torture inflicted upon these unarmed civilians by the security forces of the Syrian regime. We ask that you to please do what you can to spread awareness about this cause. We must demand that the UN and Amnesty International investigate the murder of this young child and many like him. These atrocities must be stopped.

If you want to see, what happened to Hamza, watch the video attached to this blog post (be careful, terrible images).

Thousands of Syrians are fleeing to the Lebanese border to escape escalating violence. On May 16 alone, more than 1,000 Syrians arrived in Bani Sakher, a village in the Akkar region of northern Lebanon. It is estimated that some 6,000 Syrian refugees are now scattered throughout villages in Akkar. Islamic Relief wants to help improve conditions for both the refugees streaming into Akkar and for the residents already living there. This effort will become increasingly important as more Syrians escape to Akkar.

Here are some ways Islamic Relief is planning to help:

• Distribute food rations to alleviate hunger
• Supply hygiene kits to help prevent the spread of illness
• Provide clothing to refugees who fled leaving their personal belongs behind
• Support the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) by covering costs for medication

Quote from: http://www.islamicreliefusa.org/syriahumanitarianrelief

Watch the video of little Hamza here:

Charity project: Syria Revolution Arab Spring by Cammily
Browse other Syria Bumper Stickers

Syria Revolution Arab Spring We are all.. by Cammily
Design Full color post cards at zazzle

I’ve got a cold *hapshoo*, so I’m staying at home, drinking tea…and updating my store front . Something I’d planned before…but you know: time.

So today I took the chance and created three new category images and a new welcome message:

If you want to see how it looks in reality, check it out here! I’m really satisfied, but there is one problem: Whenever I improve one thing, I find another 3 things that need to be done, too. So the list is getting longer and longer.

To change the store front is really easy:

Design the image you would like to show on your store front, upload it to the internet, than add the following code to your My Account => Store settings => Description area.

This code will only display the image:

<img src=”http://www.urltoyourimage/image.png”>

This code will display the image with a link to your category:

<a href=”http://www.zazzle.com/yourStore/gifts?cg=numerofyourcategory”>
<img src=”http://www.urltoyourimage/image.pn”></a>

If  you are interested in designing your store front similar and need some help, leave a comment.

Oh and just in case you missed it: Did you add your Zazzle Store to my favourite stores? If not, submit your store here, it’s totally free and a great chance for promotion!

Animal lovers – it’s your store!

Today I came across the Zazzle store of Lisa Marie…The cutest cutest art I’ve ever seen. She has such a beautiful lovely collection of all kind of animal designs, you will find what ever the heart desires.

The colours are really beautiful and every image with its sweet humor will give you a little smile.

All images are made by Lisa Marie and will lead to her shop.

I have to admit: All designs are lovely, but the cat designs are my favourites! They are so adorable!

If  you are searching for a beautiful present for animal lovers (or just like to get some …) have a look to Lisa Marie’s Store.

She offers different designs on  mugs,  mousepads or  cards.

This shop is highly recommended – five stars!

Please visit her facebook page, if you like to know more: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Marie-Art-Illustration.

Syria – a country of history – a country striving for freedom – and a country full of beauty.

During my travels to Syria I took many many shots of buildings, people, nature and I found that Arabs and especially Syrians are so hospitable!

Of some images I designed some greeting cards which – hopefully – show that Syria is a country to be loved and a country that really deserves peace and freedom.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these postcards, click on the image.

Today I would like to present you a really unique gift.

Do you like to listen to Qur’an with your friends? Do you want to share the latest Islamic lesson on your iPhone? This speaker with a print of Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is a beautiful gift for every Muslim – and Eid and Ramadan are coming! As respect to Muslim beliefs this speaker should only be used for religious purposes like listening to recitation of the Holy Qur’an or islamic nasheed.

Plug in your creativity with the first ever custom portable speaker! Doodle by OrigAudio™ is a light and durable hard-plastic speaker with a vibrantly printed fabric face cover and kickstand for easy propping. Powered by two AAA batteries or via USB cord (included), the Doodle speaker has a 3.5 mm. headphone jack that is compatible with any standard music device. This fun little speaker makes it easy to take your music and your style anywhere!

Depth: 7/8 inches
Width: 2.5 inches
Length: 4.5 (1/16)

Weight: 9.6 ounces
Power: 2 AAA batteries or USB cord (included) to power via your computer
Works with ANY standard 3.5 mm. headphone jack audio product

Every Zazzle artist has his own “magic” line that keeps motivating. I guess for many the first magic lines are to create 500 and 1000 products. 1000 was my first magic line . Not only, because it looks like a “huge” amount of products, but also (and to be honest, I think that’s a reason for many other Zazzlers, too) because more experienced Zazzle artists confirm again and again that sales will increase as soon as you pass this line. I don’t know if sales will increase because because of passing 1000 products, but if they increase because of “more” products it’s fine, too .

And next? 2000 – we are coming!

Do you have any magic line? Are you close to reach it or still a little far away? What keeps you motivated? Share your secret “magic lines” !

Oh btw, this is the “magic” design nr 1000:

Bismillah Islamic arabic calligraphy star by Cammily
Be a ipad affiliate with Zazzle.

To pass a traditional Arabic bazaar IS dangerous – especially if you are a “sweets lover”.
So many shops offer so many different kinds of candies, chocolates, fruit gum …just don’t think about artificial colours and flavours .

The colours are awesome!

Sweets in Bazaar – Damascus, Syria by Cammily
Browse Sweets Postcards

This photo shows a colourful collection of sweets in presented in a small shop in the Bazaar Souq al-Hamidiyaa in Damascus, Syria.