New Tea Room Gift Shop

Posted on August 26, 2008 - Filed Under Gift Shop, barefoot sandals

There are many bloggers who accept donations on their blogs. I don’t know how well that type of thing works but I readily admit that I don’t mind the idea of making a little money on my blog myself. I hope to use some of the money I make to “give back” to the blogosphere by supporting some of my buddies’ efforts, which I will probably post about in a future post. I will also use it for providing prizes in future contests at my blog.

However, I would feel guilty just accepting donations for nothing, so I figured I’d open a gift shop like I’ve seen in real tea rooms. Mine will be a very simple gift shop and will not necessarily focus on tea-related items. Right now there is only one offering available in the gift shop, but I hope to add a few more things in the future.

At this time, my handcrafted barefoot sandals are available. I’ve made these for a couple of brides who were getting married on beaches and the response was very positive. Everyone’s been asking me about these and commenting on the ones I made for the brides. Now I offer them to all who visit the Vaguetarian Tea Room. There are other barefoot sandals available on the internet but I think mine have a simple beauty that is perfect for a casual day on the beach, yet elegant enough for a barefoot wedding. Also, the materials I use are light, flexible, comfortable and may even be worn under most summer footwear. Plus, they are quite affordable. Well enough of my babbling on about them. Go see them for yourself under my new Gift Shop tab! Then come back and let me know what you think of them.

NOTE: I have updated the shop to include a link to some shoe size conversion charts.

Popularity: 46% [?]

If you liked this post, please tag it with some social sites so others can find their way here! Thanks! These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

Comments

31 Responses to “New Tea Room Gift Shop”

Fawn (2 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 12:59 am

Hi Teeni,

I’m a new reader, clicked over from a comment you left on Maleesha’s blog a few days ago. I’ve never heard of barefoot sandals, but they are definitely very sexy! I think it would be a good idea for you to show them without the sexy model feet, too, though because as someone who’s never seen this type of footwear before, I wonder what the soles are made of, what they look like, and what part of my feet they would cover.

Good luck with the sales!

Thank you Fawn! I read your other comment first so I know that you realize the sandals have no soles now. Maleesha is a cool chick. Welcome to the Vaguetarian Tea Room.
Fawn (2 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 1:00 am

Okay, and now I feel like a dork because I went and Google “barefoot sandals” and realized there ARE no soles. Hence the bare foot. Hey, nice to meet you, too!

No reason to feel like a dork at all. Barefoot sandals are definitely a little on the unusual side so I wouldn’t expect everyone to know what they are! But I’m glad you found out! You learned something on your first visit to the tea room! LOL.
Di on August 27th, 2008 1:18 am

Teeni,

Your sandels are absoutly stunning. I’ve never seen a pair before. How talentered are you Tenni. Beaufitul. I want a pair NOW ! Yes ! So elegant. I’m wondering if they look okey on my pigs trotter type feet.

I love the idea of a tea room gift shop. In the Lake District here in the UK we have some great gifty type tea shops. What a great idea. You have a tea room, a gift shop comes hand in hand with it.

Why do people ask for donations on their blogs. ? I don’t understand that. Could I just ask for money then ??

Teeni how do we order. I’m size 5 so I don’t know what that is in America and how much will these cost in English money and how do I get it to you.

What a great idea Teeni - Smiling, Love it.

Smiles & New Sandles
Di.

Ah, Di - I’ve seen your pictures of yourself at your site and I have no reason to believe your little feet would be any less pretty than the rest of you. I am going to look into the conversions of shoe sizes and will add a link to my gift shop later today and will get back to you then. I guess people ask for donations on their blogs to help them earn a little pocket money or for various reasons. I don’t feel comfortable doing that myself but I don’t see why you couldn’t do it if you wanted to. Of course, that is no guarantee that anyone will actually donate, but you can put a little button or advertisement on your blog for yourself. Lots of people do it.
Hannah (372 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 1:45 am

Wow, those sandals are way cool!! Gosh, you have hidden your talent in this particular area, haven’t you! I think this is a great idea and a good way to make a little moola on the side

Thanks, Hannah. These are just too cool to wear. I love mine. I like to dance around the house with them. I’ve had one pair for several years now. LOL. Guess I should make myself some new ones some time.
MacBros (99 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 3:47 am

Oohhh. Sexy Feet.

I had a donate button on my site that I put there just for kicks and one point in time I was really down on my luck and struggling financially (Still am but not as bad).

I was posting about the crap that was happening to me about 2 or 3 years ago and the next thing I know there were donations rolling in. People who wish to remain anonymous.

I ended up posting pictures of the food they bought me and my cats.

I wasn’t really expecting that, but I have to admit, it went to good use. But I was also a bit embarrassed that they sent it.

That is nice to know people cared about you enough to send donations and it is kind of cool that you showed pics of the food that it bought for you and your cats. I have no problem with that. I just would have a hard time asking for donations myself. But I don’t feel bad making a little profit off my handworks though. Of course, I’m not in a situation where I am in desperate need of food for my cats and myself so that could change if I ever were.
witchypoo (123 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 6:45 am

They are so pretty, I wonder if you could sneak into a restaurant wearing them? Because especially beach restaurants say no shirts, no shoes, no entrance for you, you beachy person.

LOL. I strongly suspect they would want you to wear soles on the bottoms of your feet so I don’t know if these would work for that. But if someone wants to try it they can let me know.
MJ (33 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 8:54 am

Those are really cute! What a good idea. When I get some money, I will definitely come back and buy a pair.

I’m glad you like them. No pressure. I plan on keeping some around for a while.
honeywine (73 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 9:58 am

Wuuu…I love those. Unfortunately, I never show off my cankles.

Well, if you ever decide to show ‘em off, you let me know! LOL. I really don’t mind cankles much. My sister has them and she is a tiny thing. But hey, there are worse things, right?
Slyde (92 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 10:37 am

those are very sexy! i like em!

Men can wear them too, but Earl would never let you get away with it, Slyde. LOL. Seriously, if you want any for your wife, let me know!
Michelle Gartner (48 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 10:40 am

They are very cool- but I can’t order them I have webbed feet. Seriously I do and I never show them online, because those who like feet would certainly have fetish for mine because they are so how shall I say- “different.” I think 3 of my 5 kids have it too- but never took a head count. They are very pretty though and if I ever have work done on my feet to make them look like regular toes- I will get a pair.

Hmm. I’ve never seen a real pair of webbed feet. But I believe you - I know it happens sometimes. I will try to include other things in the gift shop besides my barefoot sandals though. So maybe something will strike your fancy sometime. Regardless, as long as you visit my blog, I’m happy.
Kami (308 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 10:56 am

Those are beautiful Teeni! I love them!

Thanks, Kami - I’m so glad you like them.
MJ (33 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 2:01 pm

Oh, and I finally blog-rolled you today.

The blog-rolling is mutual!
birdpress (74 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 5:04 pm

Very cool! It’s funny because I just went out today (again) looking for shoes for my wedding dress and finally found some that I think I can manage the stairs in. (I will have to descend stairs to my awaiting groom.) I wish I could wear those instead! Too bad we aren’t getting married on the beach.

Oh, how exciting! I’m so glad you found your shoes! But if you ever do need barefoot sandals, just let me know!
odette (52 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 5:57 pm

wow teeni, what a grand idea!!!
and they’re beautiful! i’ll have to think hard now who among my friends are getting married on a beach, they’d make a lovely present!

and yes, for a good cause, what a great way to help. i have pledged myself earnings from my notecards to help my charity groups.

way to go!!!

Actually some of your posts are what inspired me to try this, Odette!
writerchick (31 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 6:45 pm

Gee Teens,
Those are really pretty. I’ve never seen anything like them before. I wish my feet were pretty enough to wear them. I don’t know, sparkly things and callous probably not a good combo. So utterly pretty though….
Annie

Sorry about the callouses, Annie - don’t work so hard! But I’m glad you think they are pretty anyway.
sheng (33 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 8:22 pm

Very cool sandals teeni, i wish hubby would ask to marry me again, and i’ll ask for a beach wedding.

Hi Sheng! They are not just for weddings. They can be worn anytime you want to go barefoot! And who says you can’t ask him this time around?
Natalie (29 comments.) on August 27th, 2008 9:21 pm

those are so pretty! and i just love to be barefoot so they are perfect for me! we have summer in texas 9 months out of the year so I am pretty sure i would get some good use out of them. I will be emailing your link to my hubs…hopefully he will take the hint!

I’m so glad you like them Natalie! Oh yes, I guess you would have summer there for a good part of the year, in Texas! LOL. I would definitely be barefoot a LOT there.
Di on August 27th, 2008 10:46 pm

I think that these sandles will make great christmas presents for friends. So unusual My daughter is going to love them. Wow ! Tenni, You’ve had a pair for years, they must last then.

Wow ! I had no idea that people asked for donations - No ! I couldn’t do it, Id feel embarrassed but for people that do and get help that is amazing.

Hey Teeni !!

We could donate our old nice items to you for your gift shop. aww! I have lots of things I could donate. Read my last post. So Beautiful.

Been reading a little bit about you and whats going on for you, your in my prayers sweetheart.

Love Di

Thanks so much for the prayers, Di. I can always use those and I do appreciate them. And yes, the sandals can last a long time if they are treated gently. I’m not sure if sending me things to sell would be worth the postage. It would probably end up costing more to ship than we could sell them for with the price of postage these days. But one could always sell online and then donate the money they make from the sale to a worthy cause too.
Di on August 27th, 2008 10:50 pm

Oh ! How lovely to give help in the form of a little donation to people who are struggling.

Doesn’t that just make life worth living.

Love & Niceness
Di

I can’t give much but I do like to give when I can.
Peter Parkour (101 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 4:07 am

Barefoot sandals are news to me, and they are very pretty/sexy.

Thanks, Peter! I’m glad you think so!
The Poet Laura-eate (50 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 10:43 am

Well I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but my Internet Tee Shop sadly appears to have earned me nothing in the last year, despite 25 slogans (though not being able to make a proper blog button yet for it may have hampered me too as a live link on the sidebar is not terribly impressive)

The sandals look interesting, but since my feet burn quite easily, I don’t even wear the sandals I own very often, so I suspect they’d go to the back of the wardrobe never to be worn. However I’ll certainly keep an eye on your shop for your upcoming products with great interest! And I do wish you luck as the tanorexics will probably

L x

You have an internet tee shop? I had no idea. I guess it depends on what people are looking for though. I don’t know.
The Poet Laura-eate (50 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 10:44 am

Sorry I meant to say ‘tanorexics and fashionistas will probably LOVE the barefoot look’ but I got distracted and then pressed send too soon!

LOL - I do that all the time. You are right - I think they will love that look. I like the look myself but I just wear them around the house and pretend I’m some exotic princess.
Hay (58 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 3:35 pm

Great idea you clever thing!

Thanks, Hay!
Hannah (372 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 6:49 pm

Teeni, I would LOVE to buy some of these especially for our 10-year wedding anniversary trip to Fiji next May! Alas, I have converted my shoe size and I obviously have HUGE feet because I think I would be a US size 11 or something hideous!! My feet got a whole 2 sizes bigger after pregnancy (darn pregnancy). You don’t have any in that size, do you?

I should include a bit on my shop that larger sizes can be accommodated. I need to fiddle with a pair and see if they would look better with five diamonds or just increase the loop size. I will send you an email. Regardless, I will definitely make a pair for you!
kaylee (471 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 7:34 pm

Whats up just commenting on a few blogs should be resting LOL! but, nonetheless get too bored just lying around anyway, I am hurting so, I wont make this long but, I am like hannah with the size although id get a pair in a heartbeat
kaylee (471 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 7:52 pm

BTW- how you doing ok?

I’m doing pretty good. I hope you are too and that you are getting some rest.
thebeadden (50 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 7:53 pm

Those are just beautiful, Teeni. Such a great idea.

Thank you, beadden! I just visited your site and saw your gallery - you’ve got quite an array of beautiful creations over there! Maybe you need to open a little gift shop yourself! I think you would definitely have buyers!
kaylee (471 comments.) on August 28th, 2008 8:15 pm

I am i sleep alot and the surgery went extremely well
kelly (11 comments.) on August 29th, 2008 3:23 pm

I’d never heard of these kinds of sandals before - they are lovely. I can just see all sorts of gorgeous barefeet sandals walking all over the beaches over your way

Thanks, Kelly! I’m glad you like them. I do think they are kind of neat and they do seem to get attention over here.
CuriousC (63 comments.) on September 3rd, 2008 3:32 pm

Guess what I got in the mail today! I’ll post on it… (THANKS!!!)

Wow - that was quick! Cool. I am glad you got them so soon!
Bling! Bling!! « Idea Jump! on September 3rd, 2008 3:43 pm

[…] Idea Jump! From Thoughts to Action… « Jobs; Part 3 of 738 Bling! Bling!! September 3, 2008 Lookie what I got today! Thank you Teeni! To order your own, visit the Vaguetarian Tea Shop… […]

Go here to see CuriousC’s new barefoot sandals! Woo-hoo!