Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Jumping the Raft

If you are reading this: THANK YOU!  You are supporting me and showing me a lot of love when you visit my blog, link my posts to Facebook, view my Etsy shop, Pin pictures from my blog to Pinterest, leave comments on my blog, or Tweet my posts!  Thank you for any and all of that!
I'm launching this whole thing from the ground up and it's really crazy, fun, & exciting!  I feel like I was standing on the river's bank and this raft arrived and I put my foot into it.  Someone threw me a Life jacket and a paddle and my the raft started to move under the current.  I could either throw myself back on the river banks and breathe a sigh of relief or I could jump into the raft and hold my breath.  Crazy, but I jumped.  It has been (so far) fun and adventurous, but also hard and exhausting (mainly because I am steering a few other rafts too).  But here's the kicker:  I don't feel overwhelmed yet.  "Overwhelmed" is a warning sign for me.  It means I cannot take on more and I should probably drop some of what I'm doing until I can focus. But so far it has been a good kind of  challenge. 
So, after reading all of that, I'm assuming that you know that I opened up an Etsy shop to start selling my handmade recycled treasures.  I'm thinking about possibly also selling at craft fairs and local markets. 
Another business that I am launching with that is "InMotion."  Which is simply me shooting amateur videography.  Explained: I go to a family's home (or attend an event) and record fragments of their lives and interview them to compile a video keepsake DVD to preserve their "life as it is" for generations to come. I'm hoping it takes off, because I know that it will be so much fun to do and that families who participate will have these treasured memories captured for future enjoyment!  Eventually, I'd like to build a website to work from for InMotion, but first I will have to earn the funds to do so.  Currently I have .pdf informational sheets that explain the ideas and process in more detail. 
That leads me to the purpose of this particular post: Where are my earnings are going?
Well, I want my customers to know that while it would be nice...I'm not hopping out for lattes with each profit.  Every cent that I earn from my Etsy shop or from InMotion is currently going back into my business.  And I'm saving!  For what?  Aha!!!
A website designer
A SIGN 
Jewelry Display props
And hopefully ONE DAY (if it's in God's Great Plan) I'll eventually be turning enough of a profit that I can get a latte!  (joking)  Today I have dreams and plans...and goals.  But I also have to constantly remember that everything I do is for a purpose.  So, if this raft winds up in a different river or floats in still waters, that is OKAY.  I will use the knowledge and challenges I am learning here to navigate into whatever He gives me. 
I learned this greatly when I had fully intended to be a college graduate by about...right now.  (I went back to college to finish my degree in 2004).  Then, surprise...nine years after having our second child, I was pregnant again.  I learned sooooooooooo much during that time in my life.  And one of the things that I can apply to my current entrepreneurship is this: not to hold to dreams and goals so tightly that we suffocate ourselves and our families trying to obtain something for our own self glorification or gratification.  There is a Greater Purpose that drives us and aligns our priorities with God's essential plan.  (Which for me requires daily, hourly, even minute by minute attention and realignment.)
I truly enjoy creating art, be it in the form of recycled wares or in videography, but art is a gift of something I can do.  It is not what propels me.  It is the result of being propelled. 
Just the idea that I get the chance to share that art with others is a true privilege! 
Praying that my raft is sturdy and my eyes are focused because I'd love to experience what is ahead!!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Laundry Soap

 
 

I Love this laundry soap.  It is all-natural and does not break out my daughter's sensitive skin.  I'm considering selling it at the Downtown Market this Spring!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Baking Bread and Helping Out

Baking Bread in our home.  Starts with warming the milk and softening the butter.  Pouring ingredients into Bread Machine pan.  Turning on the Dough Cycle.  Waiting an hour and a half for mixing and first rise to complete.
Sometimes we turn the dough into Hoagie Rolls, Dinner Rolls, or Pizza Crust.  We let the dough rise again after shaping.  Then bake.  YUM!
Now...most everyone knows that I have parented Brielle a lot different that I parented the boys (especially Josh).  I was 19 when I had him and 31 when I had Brielle, giving me lots of time to grow up and think about the choices we make as parents and how they affect our little ones.  I've learned a lot, but I keep on learning EVERY SINGLE DAY and I am willing to change things if it is in the best interest of my family. 
So, one of the things I've allowed Brielle to do (as pictured above) is to help as often as she is willing, which is pretty much all of the time.  Seriously.  People tell me this will pay its reward later...but I have always wondered (through near tears) When????
Then, the other night I noticed something.  She's wasn't doing a bad job. 
It wasn't perfect, but it was actually helpful.  What??????????????????
Sweet reward! 
Below is a video that I captured for my nephew from Brielle.  It was just too sweet not to share with my friends.  I hope it makes you smile!

Comments should work now


Beads from Subway & Sonic ads.  I love the color.  It's so FESTIVE!

I've heard that my "Comments" weren't working, so I worked long and hard to figure it out -- and I think they are working fine now.  Please test it out for me though, if you have a thought, tip, or anything that could help me out!  Thanks!


Bracelet



This was a "test" coaster to see if I could make one and how long it would hold up under usual wear.  I have had it on my computer desk here for months now and use it everyday and have to say it works quite well!

Leave a comment! :)

Sunday, September 4, 2011

My Etsy Store is Officially Opened!

It's Official!  I opened an Etsy Store!  I've been encouraged for years by my sweet friends & family to actually open up a shop online and sell my wares, so here goes!   So far I just have necklaces (which can also be worn as bracelets or anklets) but I look forward to getting bookmarks & coasters up in time for Christmas shopping.  I can also make lanyards for glasses or IDs as well.

If you are new to Etsy, please check it out!  It is a place where moms can go to sell their handmade or vintage goods!  I'm excited to be a part of such community and I hope that you will browse through and check it out!  It is a GREAT thing to buy Handmade!
Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me.  I know one of my desires is to create...whether by words, with my imagination, baking desserts or breads, or making handmade crafts.  I don't care if I sell anything, but I'll always keep creating because I love it, and if it brings joy and inspiration to others to view it, hold it, wear it, eat it, or read it...then I know God has used my gifts & passions for His glory.  May He be praised in all we do.