Thursday and Undiscovered: Laughing Creek Productions

What a fun shop! Laughing Creek Productions offers creative outdoor furniture that is perfect for your backyard, folding up and taking on the go to the park or the marina, and to relax in. This shop is such a great find as the sun starts coming out again in the Great Northwest!

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with Lisa Ferrante

The truly fun art of Lisa Ferrante was a wonderful find on Etsy today! I love the colors, the whimsy, the cohesive style! Be sure to swing by this shop: there are original pieces, prints, and tote bags!

Tuesday Talk - Did You Put the Cart Before the Horse?

To Do Magnet by Art Whims

$3.50

As I was putting together my painting to do list last night, I realized that I have been putting the cart before the horse in my business: I have been doing things a little backwards. I found this error in the time that I spend networking versus creating. So I decided to reevaluate my time spent in each task.

I found that I spend a disproportionate amount of time networking. I am a social person, so it is not surprising that I would fall into the habit of spending an imbalanced time networking to creating. 

Is this the right choice? 

As an online retailer it is very important to build a positive reputation, to make connections, and to make your name and product visible. This should be done both online and offline and involves talking with people. It involves trying to find ways to make meaningful and authentic contributions to the lives of others and to seek out their advice in areas of business that you might want some. You have to create a brand and a positive environment to couch our product in. It is through these connections and environment that sales are possible.

It is equally important to be creating in a business - especially in the handmade and art world. You have to make time to brainstorm, to draft, to execute projects. For me this means that I need to explore the world and talk with people about what their needs are in the household. I have to do research on what colors are popular in home decor. I need to do sketches of new designs and think about what colors I would like to paint them. And then it is time to paint. 

Separately, networking and creating have limited rewards. If you only network you can meet new people but you will quickly run out of product and find yourself scrabbling to create more. If you only create you will have product, but not a solid following and as a result fewer sales. We have to find a balance of networking to creating. If you do not have the amount of product to support the volume of networking that you are doing people may want to shop, but you could be sold out!

I am going to be busy exploring these balances over the next month. I know right now that I need to put more time into creating to balance my business. So I am off to paint! 

Have you found a networking - creating balance in your business? 

Must Have Monday - A Symbol of Remembrance

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who are serving our country and those who have served our country. We remember the heroes, the fallen, the sons and daughters, the husbands and wives. It is a time that we take to both mourn and celebrate.

On Memorial Day it is often difficult to think about those who we have loved and lost, while celebrating their dedication and heroism.

Today as I remember I think in images. I see the faces of my husband, my father, my brother, my uncles, my grandfather, my in-laws, my friends. I see the many faces who have served this country. And with a sorrow heart I see the faces of the friends that we have lost in the last year.

I went on a hunt today, searching Etsy's variety of shops - looking for the perfect symbol of remembrance. And the pinwheels of Rule 42 really stood out to me. Their American colors speak to that pride we have when we remember. In the wind a pinwheel spins wildly, enjoying the rush of life. When the wind has calmed the stillness of the pinwheels reflects that which comes with the loss of life. It is the perfect symbol of remembrance. 

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

Yankee Doodle Tutu by Kennedy's Korner

I know that there are many people who would much prefer for you to remember their service in the Armed Forces with taking time to celebrate life, to play. So make sure to take time to do a little of that this Memorial Holiday too: dance, sing and laugh!

Thursday and Undiscovered: Memorial Day

This week as we approach Memorial Day I wanted to take time to remember those who are serving and have served in the past and in the more recent years, as well as those who have fallen. As an Army wife and a Navy daughter and sister, I am always reminded of the strength that these men and women must have to serve and the strength that their loved ones also must have to travel the journey with them.

Thank you for taking time to remember.

"Remember the Fallen" by Andrea LaRayne Etzel

$25.00

One Nation Under God Onesie by Our Republic Apparel

$14.00

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with Aula 46

Aula 46 is a shop on a mission: to create amazing jewelry out of pieces of discarded electronics. I think they have achieved their goal many times over. Go check out the shop for a large variety of handmade necklaces, pendants, and earrings!

Must Have Monday - The Art of muddipuppy

 

The colors are fantastic, the art is whimsical, the work beautiful! The art of muddipuppy is definitely a must have! It would be great in a nursery or to liven up an office! Swing by this wonderful shop to experience the beautiful work of an amazing artist; you will not be disappointed!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - A Quilt

The quilts by Quilting Frenzy are cozy, and perfect for that relaxing retreat with a book on a Sunday. The quilts come in a variety of colors and designs. There are sizes available from the little one though the adult too!

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

This yo-yo by Deep In The Woods is awesome! The heart is stitched. Yes, you read correctly: stitched! It is such a wonderful idea and takes the cross-stitch meets wood theme on Etsy to the next step. I love it!

On the Homefront: Doing Weddings

Last week the On the Homefront: Doing Weddings special column focused on the Bridal Shower. This week we turn to some ideas for the Bride's Beautiful Look.

Something Blue Wedding Charm by Sissy's Pretties

$19.50

 Wedding Penny Necklace by Sissy's Pretties

$35.00

 

Champagne Briolette Sparkle Necklace by Kimberly Ann

$36.50

 

Swarovski Baroque Dangles by Kimberly Ann

$12.50

Thursday and Undiscovered: paper N plastic

Wow! The paper flowers by paperNplastic are amazing! If you are looking for a unique way to send flowers to someone this is the way to go. They can adorn the office desk or dinner table for many days past their fresh flower counterparts!

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

There is still a bit of a bite outside these days, but the sun is out and we all want to get out and enjoy the sun, especially our best canine friends. So help them fight that last chill this spring in a stylish way and take them out to play with these adorable vests from shop KCQ!

On the Homefront: Doing Weddings

Last week the On the Homefront: Doing Weddings special column focused on wedding invitations and save the dates. This week we turn to some ideas for the Bridal Shower. From the invitations to gifts for the bride.

 Bridal Shower Invitations by Proffitt Productions

Digital File - $8.00

 

 Cupcake Soaps by Angie's Suds 'N' Such

$4.00 each

 Magnetic Clips by Pins + Paper

Set of 3 - $20.00

Fresh Linen Room Spray by SSymmonds Creations

$5.00 each

 Table-Runner by Teri's Treasures

$32.00

Thursday and Undiscovered: MISSPETEL

The Paper Mache Sculptures and gifts by MISSPETEL are colorful and bright. Swing by this shop and see what it is all about - you will be inspired to have some fun this Thursday afternoon for sure!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - Spa Robe

Just slip on this Spa Robe by Clothing Jewels after relaxing in the Spa and you can cozy up to read a book in the low evening light. It would make a perfect gift for mom too!

On the Homefront: Doing Weddings

For the next few weeks the focus of the Homefront Team column will be Weddings! I will simply showcase items that will help you with various steps of that special day from the invitations to the reception. It will be a great adventure!

Many congratulations to those getting married!

Save the Date Options and Invitations

 

Save the Date Cards by Rhapsody Creative Studios

Set of 25: $50.00

 

Save the Date Stickers by Simply Sarah's

Set of 100: $35.00

 

 Tee Off Wedding Invitations with RSVPs by Simply Sarah's

$5.25 Each

Printable Invitations Set by 2 Bird Stone

Complete Set Invitations to Wedding: $50.00

Thursday and Undiscovered: Azrael's Circus

This intricate leatherwork by Azrael's Circus caught my eye today. It is Steam Punk meets the Old West; it is absolutely stunning! And the best part? It is upcycled leather!

I hope that you will swing by and check out this wonderful Etsy Shop!

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with Little Frog Creations

So cute and so much fun! The Squiddles by Little Frog Creations are the perfect toy for a child! They come in a variety of colors and sets and each have a story too!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - Outdoor Lounge Chair

It is so nice to be able to take relaxation outdoors again as the weather gets warmer and the sun is out more often. These chairs by Carter Fabrications are perfect for that outdoor escape to relaxation! I can see myself with a book and sipping on ice cold lemonade (yes, with an awesome lime green straw), lounging in one of these chairs. Hmmm... sounds so relaxing....