Exclusive contests for newsletter subscribers

As a thank you to my newsletter subscribers, I've decided that every month I'll be hosting a contest just for them. September's contest will be for the funniest original cat photo, and the winner will get a $20 gift certificate for whatever strikes their fancy in the PurrPrints shop, so sign up now to join in on the fun (the subscription box is in the upper left corner of this blog).

Oh, and in case you're subscription phobic (I know I am), here's the details: the newsletter won't go out more than once a month; it will include NO outside advertising, ever; and, besides the monthly contest, it will give you info about any new designs, giveaways, or sales that are going on that month. And I will never, ever, ever give your email address or name to anyone else. Oh -- and of course you can unsubscribe at any time via a handy link at the bottom of every newsletter (though, really, why would you? I mean, PurrPrints rocks! )

What next? You tell me: Reader poll and GIVEAWAY

I'm eager to find my next handmade project idea. My sister has suggested I make either custom tags for cat collars or custom cat charms for charm bracelets. Both of these sound like fun, but I'd like to gather my ideas from a wider pool.

So here's the deal: you leave a comment with your honest opinion on the kind of item you'd be most likely to buy with a PurrPrints design on it, and whether you'd want it for yourself or as a gift to someone else. Pretty pretty please don't offer generic "I've seen people do well selling this" kinda suggestions; I'd much rather know what you'd really want (don't worry, I absolutely SWEAR I will not leave personal messages for any of you suggesting you buy it if I implement your idea).

In exchange for your help with my "market research" you'll be entered in my giveaway for a FREE PRINT of your choice (any size from ACEO to 8 x 10, any design). You can enter a second time by posting about this giveaway with a link back to my post (don't forget to leave a comment with the url where I can find your post so I know to enter you twice!).

The contest will run until midnight Sept. 15th; I'll announce the winner on my blog Sept. 16th. If I get over 10 entrants I'll also be awarding 2nd and 3rd place prizes (ACEO or 200 EC credits, your choice).

Ideas to consider: charms/charm bracelet, cat tags, cat toys, journal/notebook, bookmark, calendar, clothes (specify kind), bags/purses, keychain, stickers, buttons, painted coiled rope bowls, original art in ___ price range, anything in ___ price range, or other (please specify).

Don't forget--my RME contest is unending and offers a $10 PurrPrints gift certificate to every entrant--you can't get better odds than that! (On the downside, if you're already an RME member or don't have U.S. bank account you can't enter--sorry)