All about Mom!

Good morning!

Today is going to be all about Mom! You have one and you just might be one. Moms are everywhere.... You can't go anywhere without bumping into one. Today, is my daughter birthday. She is 29! Holy Smokes... it sure went by fast! Anyway, it got me thinking....

The Mom on a good day:
She smiles at you. She asks nicely that you put away your stuff. She might even start the sentence off with the word "honey'. She goes and puts your undies in the laundry and finds matches to all your socks and sticks them in your dresser. She comes back to notice that her "honey" hasn't moved off the couch yet. So, she asks again. This time she might smile and say " Hey, sweetheart don't forget to clean up your stuff". She goes and makes "sweetheart" lunch and sets it on the table. Now, "sweetheart" is called for lunch and "sweetheart" doesn't move an inch. So, "sweetheart" hasn't put away the stuff and is taking forever to come to the table. Now, MOM is starting to twitch and steam is coming out her ears and she still has the battle of getting sweet pie to do homework later!

Let us take a minute here and think. Hmmm.... if you are the kid. You have put your mom through Hell (pick any day kids and think about... you know I am right) and she deserves a gift on Mother's Day. If you are the Mom, you deserve a gift on Mother's Day for not killing your child on any given day over the years! Moms.. you know I am right on this one.. stop day dreaming about what you thought motherhood was going to be like and get real!

Well, guess what! I have some Outstanding Stuff you can get for Mom! And, Mom if you think you need to buy yourself a little something (cuz, dad forgot to tell self absorbed "sweetheart" to get you something) I have the perfect something just for you! (slip it into dad's hand and tell him to give it to the kid to give to you... oh, you might want to wrap it yourself for a good presentation!)

Where can you find said Outstanding Stuff... let me tell ya! Head over to my shops on Etsy!

 

Click on any image below and it will take you where you want to go!

 

Here is a sampling of what each shop has to offer!

 

Pieces of Home Mosaics:

 

Mosaic Windows

 

Mosaic flower garden vintage window

 

Home Accents

 

Mosaic Pitcher and Basin Wall Hanging

 

Boxes and Mirror

 

Mosaic Mirror

 

Pendants and Bracelets

 

Mosaic Pendant

 

Rings, Barrettes and Earrings

 

silverware ring fused glass

 

Magnets and Key Chains

 

Blue Rose Mosaic Tumbled Glass Keychain

 

Kitchen

 

Mosaic Vinegar Bottle Stained Glass

 

Make Up Mirrors and Pill Boxes

 

Mosaic Owl Make Up Compact Mirror

 

 

 

Fancy That Fusion

 

Compact Mirrors

 

Double Sided Make Up Mirror Compact

 

Key Chains

 

Fused Glass Blue Key Chain

 

Bracelets and Cuffs

 

Copper Cuff

 

Jewelry Boxes and Pill Boxes

 

Mosaic Fused Glass Box

 

Home Décor

 

Candy Dish

 

Earrings

 

Brown Fused Glass Stud Earrings

 

I would feel bad about plugging my Shops on my Own Blog... But, well... I think Motherhood has left me with no Shame!

 

*** Disclaimer

If you aren't a Mommy yet. It is truly a blessing (even on a bad day!). Being a Mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Children are gifts from God. No matter how or when they come to you!

 

Happy Birthday Jacqaulyn! Mommy Loves you! Now get me a gift!!!

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Kate 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Etsy Shop of the Week! WhiteCrow's Nest

 

 

Happy hello all!

 

Today, I have something special to share with you. I found this shop when I was looking around Etsy and just knew I had to find out more about the artist! Sydney Rhudy (WhiteCrow) is an amazing artist!

 

Get your coffee and take a break from your day. Here we go!

 

Featured Shop of the Week

 

Yin & Yang Fairies

 

WhiteCrow's Nest

www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteCrowsNest

 

Artist and Owner

 

Sydney Rhudy

(WhiteCrow)

 

What do you sell?

 

My own art & illustrations, prints, buttons, crystals, jewelry, and curios.

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

It was quite a while ago that I had heard it was a really neat place to sell your arts and crafts. I fell immediately in love when I did my first official search through Etsy stores.

 

 

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

 

I've been drawing since I can remember. I've always enjoyed making crafts for about as long.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

I like to tell people that my ideas come from the Universe. Sometimes I'm fortunate to have more depth or story to a creation. Then, I find there are times where I discover things with no reason other than a random thought. The latter is the most common, I find.

 

Iron Mouse Chibi

 

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

 

I was self taught until my senior year in high school. I've got a certificate for computer art and animation that is quite ancient.

 

 

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

 

I hope to find it more deeply set in Etsy communities, while also constantly growing and evolving.

 

 

 How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

 

My super secret: James! My partner in all things Etsy and more! I've had my Etsy store for a while, and never had quite what I needed to get it cracking. He has better vision than I when it comes to marketing. He silently took over the aspects that I myself had less time for, and has successfully been doing them since.

 

 

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

 

I was mailing a package and when doodling by my return address, I sketched a WhiteCrow and wrote "From WhiteCrow's Nest". It had a neat ring but I didn't think much more on it. My friend at the post office mentioned that it sounded like a great store name. That, was that!

 

 

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

 

Everything I make is something I love, hands down. However, I have so many ideas about how different people would like to have it done, or presented, that I feel both are very active motivators.

 

Wire-Wrapped Glass Fish Necklace Pendant

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

Oh my goodness. I'm on DeviantArt under the name Shidonii. Twitter is WhiteCrowsNest

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Absolutely. That way, I only had myself to complain to if the boss was too harsh or the employee was too troublesome.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Etsy, but most especially, the Etsy community, has been a complete blessing. I have met wonderful people, made great connections, and most of all, seen my shop bloom.

 

Namaste

 

 Were you over the age of 45 when you started your shop?

 

I wasn't. Although now I am curious how old I was when I did.

(Kate: Sure rub that in! lol)

 

 

How do you think your age has helped you in your business?

 

The difference between when I first started my Etsy store and now, are night and day. I've been getting good advice, and applying it. Then, of course, James has sent it skyrocketing into orbit!

 

Naruto Chibis!

 

 

Thank you Sydney for sharing your talent with us today!

 

People go check out Sydney's shop!!!

 

 

Thank you for reading!!

 

Take care!

 

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come meet Matt Staudenmaier and Grace Foley

Happy Snow Day! Wow, it is coming down like big white bees today!

Today we are going to celebrate the beauty of turning something old into something new! As most of you know... I love this idea! Not only does this type of work help our earth stay strong... but it also helps our minds and hearts stay strong too! I have the perfect shop to share this art of thought and creativity with you!

Grab your coffee or tea... here we go!!!

 Etsy Shop of the day: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ConversationGlass

The owners of Conversation Glass:

 Matt Staudenmaier and Grace Foley

What do you sell?

We take bottles cast off and destined for our local landfills to create stunning, conversation-worthy glassware and home goods. 

How did you get started with Etsy?

We found Etsy while shopping (one of Grace's favorite hobbies!) She was looking for a unique, handmade gift for our friends stumbled upon Etsy. We've been hooked since!

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

A few years ago, we were drinking a bottle of red wine and realized the very bottle on our table would end up in a landfill sooner or later. That thought made us a bit sad, so we decided to make something cool from it...After about 100 bottles and broken glass, we learned how to get it right.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Our inspiration comes from wanting to combine form, function and purpose. Creating something useful from something discarded is fun and challenging, but the icing on the cake is making it impressive. We want people to get excited about re-purposing. I think we appeal to people who gravitate towards buying things that really mean something, who are looking for a bit more depth than the same old box store, mass-produced offerings. It feels good to know your purchase saved a bottle from a landfill where it would take thousands of years to break down.

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

We are actually self-taught! There's a ton of information on the Internet about cutting bottles but so much of it makes it sound easy. I can't tell you how many times we've been asked about tying strings set on fire around bottles! Not only are some of these "methods" dangerous, they aren't repeatable! I think people believe it looks easy, and that they can do it themselves. There's such a tremendous learning curve to cutting bottles, I'm shocked we didn't give up somewhere around bottle #98 of split and shattered glass. It takes a ton of patience and bottles to learn what works with each type and style of bottle. I won't divulge our secrets, like a restaurant doesn't hand out its recipes, but I can tell you it doesn't involve any flaming strings. 

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

We are excited about the growth we've seen thus far. With any luck, we will have grown 5-fold in 5 years. We sell almost entirely on Etsy, so we'd like to expand a bit from the Etsy platform. Right now, Conversation Glass is my (Matt) full-time job. We'd like for Grace to be able to work from home / studio as well in the next few years. To be self-reliant and sustainable is the long-term goal, whether that be in 5 years or more. 

How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

Etsy can be all consuming some days. Working from home has some huge, awesome advantages - setting my own hours, wearing my PJ's if I feel lazy, getting to hang out with our dogs all day, being there for our daughter after school. On the other hand, work is always THERE. There's really no getting away from it if you are busy trying to ship out those last couple of orders for the day. Our home is our work space, so juggling the two can be interesting. There's a great deal of discipline involved in staying on task and knowing when to stop for the night (or early morning!). Grace works a full time job, often overtime hours, then comes home to work on making or promoting Conversation Glass.

 We really try to make family time even on the busiest days. There's nothing more important than being together, even if it does involve sanding glassware!

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

The name of our shop was easy - we were having a conversation over that bottle of red wine and came up with the idea of cutting bottles. It just seemed to fit. We hope people share the story of their glassware, or their tray, or their tea lights...We hope that everything we ship promotes conversations, connections. Connections to each other and connections to our planet - that's what it's all about!

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

We started making items from bottles we liked. There are so many available bottles to choose from out there, we had to narrow it down some. Over time, our store has been shaped by what our customers love. We have our favorite items aesthetically, and our preferences in making one style item over another. In the end, it's our customers who choose what they love and guide what we make. After all, ANY bottle cut and re-purposed is a bottle that doesn't make it to the landfill.

Where else can we find you online?

We have an Artfire site: www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConversationGlass

And we are here, too:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConversationGlass

Twitter: twitter.com/ConvoGlass

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/convoglass

Rebelmouse: www.rebelmouse.com/ConversationGlass

Did you always want to have your own business?

 I never thought we'd end up with our own business. The concept always seemed too far out of reach. With online platforms like Etsy and Artfire, it became a real possibility. There came a day, not too long ago, where we looked at each other and said, "Well damn. We own our own business!" It snuck up on us, really. And then we had a few beers to toast ;)

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

We're just so thankful for our awesome customers! Who would have thought that they would support our small family business and grow it like it has?! There's really nothing quite like becoming self-reliant and determining your own future. To anyone out there fearful of jumping into Etsy with their own creative outlets, we say - Go for it!. And I say to those out there amazed at how many bottles we have - We really don't drink them all - honest!

Were you over the age of 45 when you started your shop?

What month is this...Nope - still just under 40!

How do you think your age has helped you in your business?

We're young enough to be able to use the Internet well. That's really the key here. I sometimes wonder what we'd be doing if it weren't for the availability of online business. I don't think we'd have a brick and mortar store. Nobody wants to see me in my pajamas...except maybe Grace.

Thanks for reading all our many words! I hope your readers enjoy and please pass along a 20% off coupon to Conversation Glass with the coupon code: PIECESOFHOME

Thank you for sharing with us!!! 

Thank you Readers!!!

Kate

 

My New Shop! Fancy That Fusion!

Happy Hello All!

 

Well, I did it! I opened up a new shop! Call me crazy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

My new shop is

 

Fancy That Fusion 

 www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

 

Copper Cuff

 

 

I love my Shop

 Pieces of Home Mosaics

 www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

 

 

Flatware Stained Glass Art Ring

 

I love making mosaics! I love working with tile, broken pottery, and glass to make my one of a kind items. But, I also found out that fusing glass is so much fun! I have been fusing my brains out! I'm melting bottles, mason jars and fusing colored glass into jewelry pendants, bracelet cuffs, home décor items and magnets! Oh, I am having a hoot! My shop Pieces of Home Mosaics was filling up with fused glass items.  And I thought Hmmmmmmmm...................

 

Long story short. I decided to open a shop with just fused glass items! Why not, right!?! Well, let me tell you... two shops on etsy is hard work! So, if you are reading this pretty please with sugar on top Help me get the word out.

 

If you see something you love in my shops I have coupon codes just for you!

Yes!!! Savings....wooohoooooo baby!!

 

 

Fancy that Fusion

www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

Coupon Code:  HOHOHO30

Spend $10.00 Save 30%   

 



Green and Red Glass Pendant

 

 

Fused Glass Pendant

 

Pieces of Home Mosaics

www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

Coupon Code: Xmassale40

 Spend $10.00 and Save 40%

Mosaic decor holiday sled

Cameo Mosaic Pill Box

 

 

I love to make items that are One of Kind! Each soul you meet is a One of a Kind! Why shouldn't the items you own or give be just that! I love it when people walk into a room and say, "Wow, I have never seen anything like this!" That is what I strive for!  

 

I love funky and I love different! In both of my shops you will find items that no other shop sells! My style reflects my personality. Yes, I am funky and different!

 

 I put thought, care and love into each piece I make!

 

Don't forget the coupon codes. Those codes will save you money on your Christmas Giving. If you are like me... you are on a budget! I know, giving can be hard on the pocket book!

 

Also, if you know me... I can't just plug my shops! Nope! I need to tell you about a shop that did my Etsy Shop Banners.

 

Here are my banners

 

 

 

The gal who made my banners, drum roll please...... is Lucinda Myer.

 

 

Her Shop is

 

Luci Makes Cards

www.etsy.com/shop/LuciMakesCards

 

Here are a few of her works!

 

Butterfly greeting card

 

Buddha greeting card

 

Lucinda creates stunning cards and outstanding Etsy shop banners!

I tell you, if you are in need of these... this is your lucky day!!!!

 

Don't you just love Etsy! So many wonderful things to see and buy!

 

Thank you all for stopping in!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

You Opened a Business!

 

 

I am a Business Owner!

 

If I say it over and over again.... will I start to believe it??

 

 

 

So, you did it! You opened a Business!!! Gooooo You! High Fives all around! But, there is one tiny problem... YOU ARE Terrified! Will anyone want what I have to offer? Will everyone think I am insane for starting up this new venture? Will I make money? Will I lose money? Will I look and feel stupid for trying? 

 

 

I have two business, I own a preschool and I have a shop on Etsy. I was so scared starting both of them. When I opened my preschool I had one student and as the first year ended I had 8. Now 10 years later I just graduated 37!

 

The photo below was taken right before our Town Parade!

 

 

 

 

When I started my Shop on Etsy... it took me 4 months to get my first sale. And now, a year and a half later, I have 70 sales. Am I reaching for more??? You Bet!!!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/103418045/mosaic-guitar-with-case-for-artists?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/89564504/abstract-mosaic-mirror-brown-tones?ref=shop_home_active 

 

  

My point here is that everything takes time.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/59957364/silver-moon-clock?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=clock&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto4&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadeclock

 

 

You just have to stick with it!  

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/83611742/inspirational-butter-spreaders-dont-give?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=don't+give+up+saying&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=don

 

 

 

Selling online is crazy! No sugar coating here folks. If you are looking for one of those stories  "I made millions with my online store and quit my day job" you are in the wrong place! I am what my friends call a "Negative Nancy". I call it being real and not getting carried away on a cloud of fancy.  Day dreaming is not my thing! I am a person who believes that baby steps is now everything starts.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/53024215/baby-steps-8x10-fine-art-photo-print?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=baby+steps&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=baby+steps

 

 To be honest when I read those "I make millions" stories it just pisses me off! I know they are meant to capture the Dreamer and prove you can do it. But, to me it just makes me think that some people will get too disappointed if they don't see Big Money right away and quit before they get started. 

 

 

Here is the thing.....

 

Things don't just drop out of the sky and all is good in the world. If things are dropping out of the sky... RUN!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119782485/magpie-poopeth-wall-plaque-fun-wall-art?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=+bird+poop&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=bird+poop

 

 

 Things take energy, time and dedication!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129764691/mind-energy-tincture-organic-rhodiola?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=energy&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadeenergy

 

If you have a hard time lighting a fire under your own butt...

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/57727944/original-painting-flames-in-the-fire-by?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=fire+painting&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadefire+painting

 

well... having any type of business is not for you...

What you need is called a hobby.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121000222/readers-digest-crafts-hobbies?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=hobby&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=hobby

 

 

Now for the good news! Etsy can be both. Lots of folks make their hobby into a business. Lots of folks work Etsy part time. Lots of people have so many wonderful items that they just need good homes for them so they can enjoy making more goodies! But, if you want to sell those outstanding items you can't think of it Only as a hobby. Nothing will ever sell and you should just think of who you are going to give what to at the holidays!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114901739/christmas-cards-christmas-card-set?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=holiday+card&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto5&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=holiday+card

 

 

If you are going to open or you have an Etsy shop ....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153621030/usb-typewriter-computer-keyboard-and?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_6b0a6b67b2ed7479b1e4b8c8123b6823dd4bfac4c9cad2e7985cbae354ef38af_1372239361_14100597_steampunk&ga_search_query=steampunk+computer&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto11&ga_search_type=all

 

1. Get on Facebook and get yourself a Fan page!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99468336/facebook-timeline-tab-images-app-buttons?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=facebook&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=facebook

 

2. Get yourself on Google

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/73259932/vinyl-wall-decal-sticker-art-google-has?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=google&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=google

 

3. Get yourself on Pinterest

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124794797/pinterest-pillow?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=pinterest&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadepinterest

 

4. Get yourself on other social sites.. there are a ton of them.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/62823309/social-media-a-pinback-button-set-social?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=networking&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=networking

 

5. Get yourself business cards and leave them everywhere.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119780981/old-world-cowboy-card-design-plus-500?ref=sr_gallery_42&ga_search_query=unique+business+cards&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=27&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadeunique+business+cards

 

6. Talk about your shop... not so much that people run the other direction when they see you coming.. just enough so they know you are still selling and what you are selling.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/82060792/she-never-stopped-talking-original?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=talk+painting&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=talk+painting

 

7. Join teams on Etsy

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/85060651/custom-sign-go-team-custom-made-team?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=etsy+team&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=etsy+team

 

8. Never hide your 'favorites'

9. Promote others on the site... Don't be what I call a 'Me Monster'

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/152984502/novelty-towel-bib-with-feed-me-monster?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=sr_4309d037e81daff0837022651185962fb5f66019f7a657b1856bcccae8ca5d7d_1372239261_14187462_monster&ga_search_query=me+monster&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=all

 

10. Enjoy what you do...

You only live once and life is toooo damn short! 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101058126/plastic-smiles-on-steel-rods-the?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=smile&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadesmile

 

Smile, giggle, and make friends! 

 

 Stop on over and check out my shop!

Thank you for reading!
Don't forget to check out the shop links to all these wonderful Etsy shops I featured in the blog!
Enjoy!!!