My Etsy Creations

How/When/Why I decided to start my own Business

I have always had a “Big Imagination” as my mother would surely attest to, and I have always experienced  what I like to call “Peter Pan Syndrome.”  I just never wanted to grow up.  When asked what I wanted to be when I got older, I would rattle off a whole slew of career titles and everyone’s response to me was that I had to pick just one.  I have never approved of their analysis which has left me quite confused over the years.  So, after years of contemplation, I have finally figured out how I can obtain each and every job title that I have ever wanted to hold.  I am super proud to announce that my adventure has already begun.  My hard work, determination, and perseverance will ensure that I reach every goal that I want, scratch that, NEED to accomplish in life, and come hell or high water, I am going to make it happen!  I have my unwavering support unit cheering me along with each step that I take.  I WILL obtain my goals or die trying.

One trait that I honestly inherited from those good ole’ family genes was my stubbornness, and I am going to use it to push me past each hurdle that I face.  Some people encourage you, but deep down they want to see you fail so they can feel better about themselves.  I’m not going to give them that satisfaction.  If nothing else, I will use that as the fire under my ass, that extra push that gets me to where I can knock down the walls of impossibility.  I am a diamond in the rough, and I’m breaking my shell so others can see how beautiful I shine.  This life was never intended for the weak of heart.

Growing Up

I was raised in a family where children were meant to be seen and not heard.  Sound familiar to anyone?  To keep her babies content, my mother always made sure to supply my sister and I with little art projects that would keep our fingers busy and our mouths quiet.  We were constantly given color specified art sets to prevent us from arguing over who’s was who’s.  My sets were red, and my sister’s were blue (if memory serves, that was ages ago after all).  We got markers, coloring books, paint sets, glitter, glue, stickers, you name it, we had it.  So, needless to say my love for arts and crafts began at a very early age.

Due to our upbringing and our white carpets, my sister and I were taught to keep everything nice and tidy while we were in our creative modes.  We even had to put one item away before we could get out another.  Try doing mixed media back in those days, right?!  I guess that is how I am able to do 99% of my creations from my bed.  May as well be comfy while my hands do what they were created to do, right?

My 5 Year Plan

My 5 year plan was set into motion on Christmas day in 2012.  I realized that my life had grown stagnate, that there was nothing in my future career path to look forward to, and I concluded that  it was time, once again, to re-invent myself and our way of life.    I figured that since the world hadn’t ended on my birthday (12/21/12), that it was time for a new start and a fresh set of goals to get me to where I wanted to be.  I have written a book about my process and how it all came to be, and am anxiously awaiting its future publication.  Of course, if I cannot locate the “right” publisher, I may end up turning it into an e-book.  This book outlines how I wound up in the situation that I found myself in, and how I came to peace with my past so that I could make positive strides towards the future that I wanted to be in.  The process took many years for me to get through, but the trip has been well worth it.  I now have a clear set of goals that are obtainable which will result in a stimulating and satisfying existence.  I now look forward to the next phase in life.

I have always been a craft enthusiast, and have spent more hours than I care to share browsing the aisles of any craft store that I could find.  I have been compiling my art supply stock over the years, and was beginning to look like a craft hoarder, though I did manage to keep it organized.  I had been contemplating creating/selling my crafts since 2007, but had always held off because the thought of sitting at craft shows all day would have been like a death sentence for me.  But now, due to technological advances, I can share and sell my creations with the world without ever having to leave home.

During my research I discovered that there were a multitude of craft sites that catered to people like myself.  I also found that the marketing possibilities were endless.  I decided at that moment to put my best foot forward and take a chance on a new future.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?!

I got busy compiling enough items to stock my storefront, and went to work establishing a following.  I opened my shop on Etsy September 1, 2014, and to date have made 70 + sales and have had a multitude of custom inquiries.  Doesn’t sound like much, but I am quite pleased with my progression.  Starting any business takes time, especially online, as people are weary of making business transactions with people who are just starting out.  It is only a matter of time before business picks up.  My shop receives a good share of views each and every day, and people “favorite” my items and my shop every several days.  The future is bright!

Some of My Career goals include:

• Growing my Etsy Business
• Creating a blog where others can become inspired, learn a little somethin’-somethin’, and establish a support group with others
• Become a published author, engage with others at book signings, and eventually make my debut on a talk show
• I want to spend 2 years as a motivational speaker.  If I am able to travel doing this, I want to hit every thrift store along the way
• I eventually want to start my own organization to help single mothers and their families.  A lot of people are able to get government assistance, but there are those who are out there busting their butts trying to provide a better future for their family, only to be told that they make too much money and that they aren’t eligible to get any help from the state.  These folks oftentimes find themselves in predicaments, and realize it is next to impossible to find anyone out in this big world that is willing to help out.  I want to make it possible for them to get the things that they need.  For instance: My children slept on air mattresses for 3 years because I couldn’t afford beds.  ‘Nuff said!
• When planning out which goals to set, I started a bucket list.  As most of you know this is a list of activities that you want to engage in before you die.  My Bucket List is MASSIVE!  I don’t think I have enough years left in this life to cross off everything on my list, but I’m ready to get started…

When thinking of my goals, failure is not an option.  I refuse to give up on my dreams until I reach my destination.  Hard work and determination are assets that I possess that I plan to utilize to their fullest potential.  I know that if I can go from where I was, to where I am now, to where I will be in my future, that you are just as capable as I am.  As the pun goes, “If I can do it, you can do it!”  NEVER give up on yourself!

What is my style?

Well, my creative heart’s desire revolves around vintage/retro and boho styles.  I honestly believe that I was born in the wrong era.  The styles, the colors, the designs; they place an excitement in me that words could never express.  They entice a feeling in me of finally being home and where I belong.  I am a true hippie chic at heart.

People who inspire me and my creative outlet include:

• Tim Burton-absolute mastermind!  I love his imagination and the color usage in his films.   Eccentricity has always appealed to my tastes.
• Vicky Papaioannou-Discovered this talented woman on YouTube.  She specializes in creative art journals and card making.  She has been such an inspiration to me.
• Tim Holtz-I adore his product line!  Such great stuff!  I buy something new every time I hit the craft store.  I just found out he has a new fabric line.  I’ll have to stock up!
• Marjie Kemper-I recently discovered this amazing woman on Pinterest.  She is so talented and her use of vibrant colors in her art work speaks to my soul.
• Amanda Louise Spayd-Her line of Dust Bunnies is absolutely breathtaking!  I read her bio and realized that she is the same age as I am.  She has really made a name for herself, and she has become such an inspiration to me.
• Chris Ryniak-I discovered his creations on Pinterest.  His talent astounds me!  I found his blog online, and read some of his posts.  He stories are quite compelling.

How I squeeze in craft time

I work full-time as a Preschool teacher as I mentioned in my Bio.  Luckily, I am able to utilize nap time (on occasion) into mini-crafting sessions.  Several items in my shop were prepped/created during nap time.  I carry around a lot of my projects, as I oftentimes find myself with dead moments waiting for the kids, waiting for doctors, whatever the case may be.  I cannot fathom wasting a moment, when I could use that time to be productive.  Is my workaholic status apparent yet?  There are times that I get so involved in my work that I forget to eat or sleep.  Oops!

I am currently working on :

• My Daisy Man (he was dreamt up/drawn when I was 13)
• I have several dioramas that I am working on (They were inspired by books/movies/music that I enjoy)
• Shabby Chic Bird in Nest
• Papier Mache Head

My brain in overloaded with future project ideas and my business binder is filled to the brim and broken down into categories.  I have more ideas than time it seems.  One day…

Items for sale in my Etsy shop

These are the items that I currently have for sale in my Etsy shop.  I have numerous projects in the works that will eventually make their way into my shop.  Check back often to see my latest creations.

Yellow Star Jenga Block Keychain

Vintage style floral hair scarf

Must Have Handmade Crafts

Cross keychain or purse charm

Blue batik flower hair scarf

Oversized crochet granny stitch baby blanket

This is Powder. He is a one of a kind polymer clay art doll looking for a new home.

Decorative Black Cherry Lazy Susan

Stay warm this winter with this extra long/extra wide scarf

My “Hippie Love” Crochet Beaded Bracelet

This bad boy has been done for quite some time. It finally got photographed today

Red Polka Dot Jenga Block Keychain

Blue crochet diamond mesh infinity scarf

A blast from the past “toy”

I Love You to the Moon and Back Decorative Wall Plaque

Peace Sign Throw Pillow

Custom Printable Military Ops Party Invitations

Fuchsia crochet diamond mesh stitch infinity scarf

It’s time to stand out!

Distressed Makeup Holder

Custom Printable Military Ops VIP Pass Party Invitations

Chocolate Brown/Baby Pink Hair Scarf-Perfect for the young lady in your life

Long vintage style floral hair scarf

Fantastic meals on a budget Fantastic meals on a budget

Never stop creating!

Multicolored crochet diamond mesh stitch infinity scarf

Perfect for displaying artwork in the classroom

Jenga Block Keychain

Unlock your dreams!

Always inspire others!

Blue Polka Dot Jenga Block Keychain

Brown Polka Dot Ceramic Tile Coasters

Multicolored batik hair scarf

Sweet Dreams Decorative Wall Plaque

Sheer Blue and Silver Snowflake Bow

Decorative Sage Green/Brown Light Switch Plate

Oval Navigational Buttons

Fall Distressed Clothespins

DAISY MAN! Who wouldn’t want this happy little fellow around???

Custom Printable Fashionista Extravaganza/Ugly Dress Fashion Show Party Invitations

-SOLD items-

Store your deepest wishes here

Perfect for displaying artwork in the classroom

Time to get organized!

We’re all mad here!

A blast from the past “toy”

Floral Upcycled Decorative Clipboard-perfect for displaying artwork

Oversized crochet baby blanket

Decorative Blue Chevron Outlet Cover

1974 Hot Wheels Monte Carlo Stocker-Redline-Restored

Custom Printable Military Ops VIP Pass Party Invitations

Perfect for displaying artwork in the classroom

Fantastic meals on a budget Fantastic meals on a budget

The perfect addition to any classroom or craft closet

SOLD OUT-Cream and Pink Polka Dot Padded iPhone 6 Plus Case

Brown Polka Dot Jenga Block Keychain

Custom Printable Military Ops Party Invitations

Custom Order Fortune Tellers

Bling “L” keychain

Custom Order Clothespins

Fall Distressed Clothespins

32 Page Party Planning Guide to Organizing the best Party in history!

Sheer Blue and Silver Snowflake Bow

Hippie Dream Catcher-Who wouldn’t want to trap their bad dreams with this gorgeous dream catcher?