Loving the love!

Hi y'all!

I know, I'm long overdue with a post.  It has been a rough couple of weeks!  The fact is, I've been getting some sales and people showing interest, but it's just not enough right now.  So between trying to find a job, trying to find a new place to live, and just being stressed out with it all I think I've cried more in these past weeks than I have in the last few months.  I've been trying to stay as positive as I can through prayer and keeping busy, and I'm hopeful that things will get better.  If there is anything I've learned in this life it is that your friends and family are important!  And during the tough times is when you find out how true that is.

I know that I am not the only one, times are hard for everyone right now.  Life is funny at times, and can provide you with little bits of inspiration when you need them the most.  If you're feeling lonely, you may receive a call from someone you haven't spoke to in ages.  Having an "ugly" day?  That may be the day that you get an amazing compliment from a stranger about how great you look!  And when you feel completely hopeless, you can get thrown a curve ball that can change your life and make you believe in all the possibilities.  That is one thing I love about life, it may knock you down but it can bring you right back up again.

Even though I've had a writing block, I've still been around stalking reading blogs, and popping in and out on twitter.  I recently joined a couple of groups on Etsy that are all about supporting self taught artists, and it's been sort of a pick me up...daily!  I can wake up and find a new treasury featuring one of my items.  It makes me feel good to know that someone out there liked my item.  So I thought I'd share a few that I've really loved.  I was happy to see my flowers in each treasury, but they also included items from some other amazing artists with beautiful work!








I want to thank my readers for sticking around during my absence, I'm still here!


Until next time...

5 Reasons to Buy Handmade

Handmade!
Nowadays you hear that word used a lot.  A few years ago it seems that buying handmade was more of a specialty, because most people were more concerned about the “brand” than actually what they were wearing.  In today’s economy buying handmade has taken on a new meaning.  More people are embracing the handmade style and straying from brand name products.  So I’ve came up with some great reasons I feel people should buy handmade.

Buy handmade because it's...

1. Unique- Handmade artist aren’t looking to mass produce their items like larger companies.  They may occasionally re-create an item, but let’s face it no one item is going to be exactly like the original.  Think of how bad it feels when you walk into a store and see someone pick up an item that you were going to buy, or even worse when you are out on the town and someone else is wearing the same thing you are.  When you buy handmade, you don’t have to worry about that.  So think of it as buying an item that’s made just for you! 
2. Eco-Friendly- The world we live in has gone green, and so have many handmade artists.  More and more artist are reusing materials, or turning old items into something new.  So when you buy handmade you are often helping the environment.  Keeping items out of landfills and giving them new life in your home or even on your back.

   

   Coffee Bean Tote Bag by repurposedantiques on Etsy

3. Quality- Real handmade artists are set on making quality items.  They aren’t worried about how many they make, but more on how good they are made.  Artists take pride in their work, and want to make sure that you are happy and satisfied with your purchase.  They put real LOVE (and sweat) into their work, so if you’re not happy then chances are they aren’t either. 
4. Relationships- When you purchase a handmade item it’s a chance to build a new relationship.  Handmade artists rely on great customer service, and want their customers to be satisfied.  So naturally some of those interactions may result in a great friendship.  I may have only had a few sales, but I have already met some pretty fun and awesome people.



ThINK Inspiration by nnvillan on Etsy

5. Supporting artists- This economy is tough and everyone is trying to make it in their own way, and buying handmade supports artists and entrepreneurs.  Many of who are trying to make a living for themselves and their families.  Rallying behind handmade artist is also another way to stop the “big boys” from taking what is not theirs, like what happened to this Etsy seller.  Just Horrible!  And to top it off, when you support handmade you just feel good!

So if you have never purchased a handmade item, take some time to explore sites like Etsy or Artfire.  You may find something you like, or even a gift for a friend.  There are amazing artists across this great nation, and even the world just waiting to be discovered!

Can you remember your first handmade purchase? What are your reasons for buying handmade?  Let me know in the comments section.

Curated Treasuries

Hello Again!

This post will be short and sweet.  I'm really excited today, because a treasury I curated on Etsy made it to the front page this weekend!

"Smile for the Camera"

I did not realize that it was on the front page until today.  Thank goodness that Craft Cult keeps a log of every front page, otherwise I wouldn't have seen it for myself.  So, just thought I would share it with you all.

You can see my other curated treasuries here: DCD treasuries

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Sneak Peek: White flowers and Vera Wang

Hello all,

I've decided to give you all a sneak peek at a new flower that I designed before I post it on Etsy.  But before I get to that I'd like to share where my inspiration came from.  It started with a wedding dress designed by Vera Wang.  I may be a little late on this but for those of you who don't know Vera Wang has designed a line of wedding gowns for the largest bridal retailer in the US, David's Bridal.  Her new wedding line labeled "White" by Vera Wang, and it features a more affordable alternative to her designer line of wedding gowns.  Currently the gowns range from $600 to $1400, and they are just as beautiful as her other gowns.  You can find her new line online at: David's Bridal

After hearing all of this, it almost makes me wish I had waited a little longer to get married just so that I could say "I got married in Vera Wang."  But shhh...don't tell my husband.

So, here is the inspiration behind my new flower 

One Shoulder Gown with Asymmetrically Draped Skirt

And here is my new flower design

White Satin Rosette with Side Ivory Organza Overlay

I'll be posting this beauty on Etsy soon!

Thanks for reading