Showing posts with label clothing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clothing. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Monday, October 3, 2011
Interview With Karen of Sew Determined
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a Christian, homeschooling mom of four kids ages 17, 15, 13 and 11. This is my fourth year homeschooling, and it seems to get better and better! As with most things in my life, I seem to do things opposite of most everyone else! Seems many stop homeschooling for high school and that's when we started! It's been an eye opening and extremely rewarding experience for my children and me. I now only wished we had started from the beginning.
Before homeschooling, my children were disconnected. They loved each other, but didn't really ever play together. Separate lives so to speak. Once we started homeschooling, our whole family dynamics changed. We are now a very close knit family. I love knowing what's going on in their lives and sharing those experiences with them.
So who's the man behind the scenes? I am married to a wonderful husband who thankfully encourages me through all of my many whims and hobbies. In fact he's the one who got me started with sewing. Love him.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I started creating and designing things as a child, but only started sewing when I was in my early 20's after my husband bought me a sewing machine. It was love at first stitch.
I have a close "relationship" with my seam ripper. One day after Christmas last year, I was using my friend the seam ripper and it gave me an idea to start a blog on sewing and crafting. I wanted it to be a "real" blog about my successes and failures of my sewing adventures. A blog to encourage others to not give up, but be determined to persevere, even if you sew the sleeve on backwards 3 times. While working on projects for my blog Sew Determined, my friends started asking me to make things for them. One thing led to another and that's how my Etsy shop "Call Me Cordelia" all started. It's still in in it's beginning stages and I'm slowly adding new things bit by bit. I enjoy sewing pretty, feminine things that I would love to have.
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
One of my favorite homeschool memories thus far has been our trip to Boston to walk the Freedom trail. We studied American History together as a family and it really brought all those biographies and stories to life. It was fantastic to hear the kids remembering all the things we had studied and to see them thoroughly engaged and interested.
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
I am by no means a seasoned homeschooler or business woman, but my advice would be to put your family first and definitely keep a schedule for your business. That was my first mistake. Not keeping a schedule for my business. I tend to be a "free spirit" and that does not work for long. I've done a great deal of reading of others success stories and they all seem to have one thing in common. Order. Making a workable schedule and sticking to it.
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
I am a huge fan of literature and I find my inspiration from the stories I read. For example, the name of my Etsy shop, Call Me Cordelia, is after Anne of Green Gables. If I'm feeling in a slump, I simply read one of my favorite classics and it always inspires me to make something I love. For example, I made this toile handbag after reading Sense and Sensibility.
Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
One of my goals is to have my business become more of a family affair. My youngest daughter loves to help me, but I would really enjoy having all of my children participate in the creative process one way or the other. Being an entrepreneur is a wonderful way to teach hands-on "school" to your children.
My other specific goals include, growing my blog, gaining FB and twitter exposure and really learning how to schedule my time to it's fullest.
I'm a Christian, homeschooling mom of four kids ages 17, 15, 13 and 11. This is my fourth year homeschooling, and it seems to get better and better! As with most things in my life, I seem to do things opposite of most everyone else! Seems many stop homeschooling for high school and that's when we started! It's been an eye opening and extremely rewarding experience for my children and me. I now only wished we had started from the beginning.
Before homeschooling, my children were disconnected. They loved each other, but didn't really ever play together. Separate lives so to speak. Once we started homeschooling, our whole family dynamics changed. We are now a very close knit family. I love knowing what's going on in their lives and sharing those experiences with them.
So who's the man behind the scenes? I am married to a wonderful husband who thankfully encourages me through all of my many whims and hobbies. In fact he's the one who got me started with sewing. Love him.
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I started creating and designing things as a child, but only started sewing when I was in my early 20's after my husband bought me a sewing machine. It was love at first stitch.
I have a close "relationship" with my seam ripper. One day after Christmas last year, I was using my friend the seam ripper and it gave me an idea to start a blog on sewing and crafting. I wanted it to be a "real" blog about my successes and failures of my sewing adventures. A blog to encourage others to not give up, but be determined to persevere, even if you sew the sleeve on backwards 3 times. While working on projects for my blog Sew Determined, my friends started asking me to make things for them. One thing led to another and that's how my Etsy shop "Call Me Cordelia" all started. It's still in in it's beginning stages and I'm slowly adding new things bit by bit. I enjoy sewing pretty, feminine things that I would love to have.
 |
| Ruffled Lemon Delight |
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
One of my favorite homeschool memories thus far has been our trip to Boston to walk the Freedom trail. We studied American History together as a family and it really brought all those biographies and stories to life. It was fantastic to hear the kids remembering all the things we had studied and to see them thoroughly engaged and interested.
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
I am by no means a seasoned homeschooler or business woman, but my advice would be to put your family first and definitely keep a schedule for your business. That was my first mistake. Not keeping a schedule for my business. I tend to be a "free spirit" and that does not work for long. I've done a great deal of reading of others success stories and they all seem to have one thing in common. Order. Making a workable schedule and sticking to it.
 |
| My sewing studio |
 |
| Our homeschool; the dining room table! |
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
 |
| Red and Cream Toile Handbag |
I am a huge fan of literature and I find my inspiration from the stories I read. For example, the name of my Etsy shop, Call Me Cordelia, is after Anne of Green Gables. If I'm feeling in a slump, I simply read one of my favorite classics and it always inspires me to make something I love. For example, I made this toile handbag after reading Sense and Sensibility.
Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
One of my goals is to have my business become more of a family affair. My youngest daughter loves to help me, but I would really enjoy having all of my children participate in the creative process one way or the other. Being an entrepreneur is a wonderful way to teach hands-on "school" to your children.
My other specific goals include, growing my blog, gaining FB and twitter exposure and really learning how to schedule my time to it's fullest.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Team Member Interview - Heidi of The Blissful Stitcher
Today I would like to introduce you to Heidi of The Blissful Stitcher.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I homeschool a 13-year-old, an 11-year-old and a five-year-old. They are both the biggest frustration and the greatest joy in my life.
I'm married to the man who was the high school boy I had a crush on in jr. high. We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this year.
I am an RN. Until spring of this year, I worked as an IV Therapist at a hospital near my home. I have worked as a nurse in IV therapy, medical-surgical and medical-telemetry units for nearly 10 years. In nursing school, I told anyone who would listen that I would not be working in a hospital. My life is full of such irony.
I have used various art mediums. My favorites are watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, beads, photography and embroidery. I hope to revisit watercolor in the next few months.
Custom Toddler Hoodie
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I started out making gifts. I suppose they were gifts I would like to receive. When customers began to order variations of these gifts, I was thrilled.
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
I find it interesting that my favorite homeschool moment is tied to my least favorite. I took a few years to find the right math curriculum for my daughter. She struggled mightily with programs that had a spiral learning path. The first three programs we tried left us both hating math. Every time multiplication showed up on a lesson, she flailed, floundered, and fought against it. Since multiplication is such a foundational skill for all math, I finally found a curriculum that focused on teaching the why and how of multiplication before moving to more complex problems.
Half-way through the year, she came running to me with her math book. I was sure her news had nothing to do with the math because her face was shining. Before I could ask her why she was so happy, she burst out, "This REALLY WORKS! I can multiply sixes, and I know WHY!"
Custom Crafty Labels With Your Name
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Set a specific time for marketing and crafting. I talked over my schedule with my husband. He had excellent insight. We decided I would "go to work" during specified hours. This reduced a number of problems we were having with household duty responsibilities and reduced the number of interruptions from bored children.
Marketing is a great big mystery to me. I am soaking up information from the etsy blog and from the examples of etsians I admire. I plan to have a discussion with my husband about my marketing plan. He is a great sounding board.
Crochet Hiptser
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Ideas live in my head long before they become pieces. I'll tuck something into the back of my mind and save it for a while. I have a vast collection of embroidery designs of all kinds. I keep these designs in mind while going about my day. Add to this the rush I get from figuring out the solution to a design problem. The challenge may be maddening, but when the product comes to fruition, that high can carry me for a few weeks of crafter's block.
For my business, I want to use up and sell my current stock before I purchase more.
For our school, I would like to finish up a few subjects from last year before I purchase more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Places to find Heidi
~ Facebook
~ The Blissful Stitcher Blog
~The Blissful Stitcher Etsy Shop
~ Company Casuals
~All Photos and information in the post are used by permission.
Thanks, VeryVerdant
Tell us a little about yourself.
I homeschool a 13-year-old, an 11-year-old and a five-year-old. They are both the biggest frustration and the greatest joy in my life.
I'm married to the man who was the high school boy I had a crush on in jr. high. We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this year.
I am an RN. Until spring of this year, I worked as an IV Therapist at a hospital near my home. I have worked as a nurse in IV therapy, medical-surgical and medical-telemetry units for nearly 10 years. In nursing school, I told anyone who would listen that I would not be working in a hospital. My life is full of such irony.
I have used various art mediums. My favorites are watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, beads, photography and embroidery. I hope to revisit watercolor in the next few months.
Custom Toddler Hoodie
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I started out making gifts. I suppose they were gifts I would like to receive. When customers began to order variations of these gifts, I was thrilled.
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
I find it interesting that my favorite homeschool moment is tied to my least favorite. I took a few years to find the right math curriculum for my daughter. She struggled mightily with programs that had a spiral learning path. The first three programs we tried left us both hating math. Every time multiplication showed up on a lesson, she flailed, floundered, and fought against it. Since multiplication is such a foundational skill for all math, I finally found a curriculum that focused on teaching the why and how of multiplication before moving to more complex problems.
Half-way through the year, she came running to me with her math book. I was sure her news had nothing to do with the math because her face was shining. Before I could ask her why she was so happy, she burst out, "This REALLY WORKS! I can multiply sixes, and I know WHY!"
Custom Crafty Labels With Your Name
What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Set a specific time for marketing and crafting. I talked over my schedule with my husband. He had excellent insight. We decided I would "go to work" during specified hours. This reduced a number of problems we were having with household duty responsibilities and reduced the number of interruptions from bored children.
Marketing is a great big mystery to me. I am soaking up information from the etsy blog and from the examples of etsians I admire. I plan to have a discussion with my husband about my marketing plan. He is a great sounding board.
Crochet Hiptser
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Ideas live in my head long before they become pieces. I'll tuck something into the back of my mind and save it for a while. I have a vast collection of embroidery designs of all kinds. I keep these designs in mind while going about my day. Add to this the rush I get from figuring out the solution to a design problem. The challenge may be maddening, but when the product comes to fruition, that high can carry me for a few weeks of crafter's block.
For my business, I want to use up and sell my current stock before I purchase more.
For our school, I would like to finish up a few subjects from last year before I purchase more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Places to find Heidi
~ The Blissful Stitcher Blog
~The Blissful Stitcher Etsy Shop
~ Company Casuals
~All Photos and information in the post are used by permission.
Thanks, VeryVerdant
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Interview With Sowers Of Hope
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am first a daughter of the Mighty King and a lover of my Salvation. I am a wife to my best friend and mother to three awesome and fun-loving teenagers.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
Our little headcovering business started after learning about headcovering and subsequently being convicted to headcover. I started making mob caps, Amish kapps, and Israeli tichels. With time, I began offering many other styles of headcoverings such as snoods, extra-wide headbands, Bethany veils, etc. We also opened a blog , where we discuss not only headcovering in general but also interview women who headcover. These interviews can be read here . Over time, we began to address the lack of modesty in today’s culture and have since pursued this issue hoping to encourage, educate, and inspire women and men to examine not only their dress but also their hearts. We have since branched out in the social media arena and can also be found on Facebook , and Twitter .
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
My favorite homeschool memory would be a family trip we took to Yellowstone National Park. We saw, learned, and experienced so much more than books could ever attempt to teach us. We spent uninterrupted time together laughing, loving, and making memories that will last forever.
4. What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
First, knowing what your priorities are in your life is essential. Secondly, committing to spend a determined amount of time on these priorities is of equal importance. For example, a typical school day will begin with Scripture reading, devotion, and prayer. We then move on to chores, breakfast and school. Later during the day, I will work on the business. I’ve realized that if there is an imbalance in my priorities, then my spiritual life, family life, and business suffer. I would also like to mention that though there is time and effort that needs to be poured into one’s business, it is ultimately God who brings the sales. He remains our provider in all things.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
My inspirations usually comes from the practicality and need that I see within the community of headcovering women.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Yes, my goals for the business are two-fold. First, it would be to generate enough profit from the business to pay for some of the household and homeschooling expenses. Secondly, I would like to teach our children that creativity and initiative are some of the main ingredients for creating a source of income.
CHEMO HEADCOVERINGS
Not too long ago, I felt the LORD’s prompting to begin making headcoverings for individuals who have suffered hair loss, whether because of chemotherapy or other medical reasons. My intent is to offer them at a reasonable price so that they would be available to everyone. Medical costs are often unimaginably high, even with the help of insurance. So once again, with the prompting of our LORD, our chemo headcovers are available free of charge to individuals who otherwise could not afford one. I find that it is extremely important to live one’s life with an open hand, giving to everyone according to their need and according to what God has provided to you. Though the name of our business, Sowers of Hope, was initially the name of our first ministry, we decided to use the same name once again because of the message it brings with it. It is based on Isaiah 40:31 “ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“ Using this verse as the basis of our business, we wanted to remind everyone that placing their hope in the LORD is the only place that lasting restoration can be had.
Our chemo headcovers are currently available in this Etsy shop , but we plan to move them over to our main headcovering Etsy boutique very soon.
I am first a daughter of the Mighty King and a lover of my Salvation. I am a wife to my best friend and mother to three awesome and fun-loving teenagers.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
Our little headcovering business started after learning about headcovering and subsequently being convicted to headcover. I started making mob caps, Amish kapps, and Israeli tichels. With time, I began offering many other styles of headcoverings such as snoods, extra-wide headbands, Bethany veils, etc. We also opened a blog , where we discuss not only headcovering in general but also interview women who headcover. These interviews can be read here . Over time, we began to address the lack of modesty in today’s culture and have since pursued this issue hoping to encourage, educate, and inspire women and men to examine not only their dress but also their hearts. We have since branched out in the social media arena and can also be found on Facebook , and Twitter .
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
My favorite homeschool memory would be a family trip we took to Yellowstone National Park. We saw, learned, and experienced so much more than books could ever attempt to teach us. We spent uninterrupted time together laughing, loving, and making memories that will last forever.
4. What advice would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
First, knowing what your priorities are in your life is essential. Secondly, committing to spend a determined amount of time on these priorities is of equal importance. For example, a typical school day will begin with Scripture reading, devotion, and prayer. We then move on to chores, breakfast and school. Later during the day, I will work on the business. I’ve realized that if there is an imbalance in my priorities, then my spiritual life, family life, and business suffer. I would also like to mention that though there is time and effort that needs to be poured into one’s business, it is ultimately God who brings the sales. He remains our provider in all things.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
My inspirations usually comes from the practicality and need that I see within the community of headcovering women.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
Yes, my goals for the business are two-fold. First, it would be to generate enough profit from the business to pay for some of the household and homeschooling expenses. Secondly, I would like to teach our children that creativity and initiative are some of the main ingredients for creating a source of income.
CHEMO HEADCOVERINGS
Not too long ago, I felt the LORD’s prompting to begin making headcoverings for individuals who have suffered hair loss, whether because of chemotherapy or other medical reasons. My intent is to offer them at a reasonable price so that they would be available to everyone. Medical costs are often unimaginably high, even with the help of insurance. So once again, with the prompting of our LORD, our chemo headcovers are available free of charge to individuals who otherwise could not afford one. I find that it is extremely important to live one’s life with an open hand, giving to everyone according to their need and according to what God has provided to you. Though the name of our business, Sowers of Hope, was initially the name of our first ministry, we decided to use the same name once again because of the message it brings with it. It is based on Isaiah 40:31 “ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“ Using this verse as the basis of our business, we wanted to remind everyone that placing their hope in the LORD is the only place that lasting restoration can be had.
Our chemo headcovers are currently available in this Etsy shop , but we plan to move them over to our main headcovering Etsy boutique very soon.
Monday, June 27, 2011
A Young Entrepreneur
When I approached Sarah and Jane through Etsy convo, I was pleasantly surprised to get this answer,"Thanks for the sweet note! Yes, my daughter, Sarah and I would feel honored to be featured in your blog." This mother daughter team work well together to make unique creations for each customer. You will love their work and, after the interview you will also love this young entrepreneur.
So now, here is Sarah from Sarah and Jane.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Sarah Howland and with the support of my Mom, I launched Sarah and Jane
last summer...at the age of 16! I am blessed to have a whole room devoted just for allowing my creative juices to run wild! When I am not sewing (which is not often) I enjoy devouring delicious books, hanging out with friends, and of course shopping for fabric. My love for reading is how the name "Sarah and Jane" came to be. One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen...hence the Jane.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I first started sewing when I was very little. My first creations were extremely lopsided pillows. As I grew older, my Mom actually taught me and other young girls how to properly sew. I really enjoy sewing clothing and tote-bags, but as I scoured a blog one day I saw a free pattern for fabric covered notebooks. After much perfecting I came up with the first Sarah and Jane notebook.
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
I do not just have one particular favorite memory, but several instances immediately come to mind. When I was younger, my Mom would read out-loud to my older brother and I. My imagination ran wild and I truly fell in love with literature. Who knows what reading out-loud can do?
4. What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Make sure you have time! My Mom and I started our business in the summer before my junior year. Once school started my courses munched every last bit of my time. It was very hard to take time and simply sew or imagine new designs. Even now, I am restocking the store because my studies have finished.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Most of my inspiration comes from seeing and touching the fabric. I can just picture what the fabric could be. My Mom also gives me tons of ideas, along with magazines, Etsy, and blogs.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
I am very interested in marketing so Sarah and Jane was at first an experiment to test my skills. I could not have done it without my Mom! But, Sarah and Jane has become a way for me to express my creativity and it also gives me a glimpse of how much goes into a business. My goal is to restock the online store and perhaps put some Sarah and Jane products in local stores. You can also find Sarah and Jane on Facebook.
Posted by VeryVerdant
So now, here is Sarah from Sarah and Jane.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Sarah Howland and with the support of my Mom, I launched Sarah and Jane
last summer...at the age of 16! I am blessed to have a whole room devoted just for allowing my creative juices to run wild! When I am not sewing (which is not often) I enjoy devouring delicious books, hanging out with friends, and of course shopping for fabric. My love for reading is how the name "Sarah and Jane" came to be. One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen...hence the Jane.
2. How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I first started sewing when I was very little. My first creations were extremely lopsided pillows. As I grew older, my Mom actually taught me and other young girls how to properly sew. I really enjoy sewing clothing and tote-bags, but as I scoured a blog one day I saw a free pattern for fabric covered notebooks. After much perfecting I came up with the first Sarah and Jane notebook.
3. What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
I do not just have one particular favorite memory, but several instances immediately come to mind. When I was younger, my Mom would read out-loud to my older brother and I. My imagination ran wild and I truly fell in love with literature. Who knows what reading out-loud can do?
4. What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Make sure you have time! My Mom and I started our business in the summer before my junior year. Once school started my courses munched every last bit of my time. It was very hard to take time and simply sew or imagine new designs. Even now, I am restocking the store because my studies have finished.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Most of my inspiration comes from seeing and touching the fabric. I can just picture what the fabric could be. My Mom also gives me tons of ideas, along with magazines, Etsy, and blogs.
6. Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
I am very interested in marketing so Sarah and Jane was at first an experiment to test my skills. I could not have done it without my Mom! But, Sarah and Jane has become a way for me to express my creativity and it also gives me a glimpse of how much goes into a business. My goal is to restock the online store and perhaps put some Sarah and Jane products in local stores. You can also find Sarah and Jane on Facebook.
Posted by VeryVerdant
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Four Seasons
WINTER...
SPRING...
SUMMER...
FALL...
Sheteam has something for them all!
Find the items in each collection here:
Winter
~Boutique Knit Baby or Toddler Earflap Hat - Baruchs Lullaby
~Four White Five Pointed Waldorf Inspired Stars - Harvest Moon By Hand
~Winter Musk Goat Milk Soap - Country Soap By Marlen
Spring
~Spring Fling Earrings - Mompotter
~Bunnies and Eggs Table Runner - Prairie Cottage Rose
~Forget Me Not Flower of the Month Necklace - Empty Nest Egg
Summer
~Little Miss Firecracker Knit Summer Dress
~Sweet Rose Hand Embroidered Tamari Ball - Julie and Co
~Polka Dots and Cherries Boutique Dress - Adorable Blessings
Fall
~Pumpkin Muffins Soy Wax Melts - Smokey Mountain Scents
~Leaves Falling Bracelet - Little Miss Beady
~ Oak Leaf Abstract Original Drawing - Ellemar Designs
~Posted By VeryVerdant
SPRING...
SUMMER...
FALL...
Sheteam has something for them all!
Find the items in each collection here:
Winter
~Boutique Knit Baby or Toddler Earflap Hat - Baruchs Lullaby
~Four White Five Pointed Waldorf Inspired Stars - Harvest Moon By Hand
~Winter Musk Goat Milk Soap - Country Soap By Marlen
Spring
~Spring Fling Earrings - Mompotter
~Bunnies and Eggs Table Runner - Prairie Cottage Rose
~Forget Me Not Flower of the Month Necklace - Empty Nest Egg
Summer
~Little Miss Firecracker Knit Summer Dress
~Sweet Rose Hand Embroidered Tamari Ball - Julie and Co
~Polka Dots and Cherries Boutique Dress - Adorable Blessings
Fall
~Pumpkin Muffins Soy Wax Melts - Smokey Mountain Scents
~Leaves Falling Bracelet - Little Miss Beady
~ Oak Leaf Abstract Original Drawing - Ellemar Designs
~Posted By VeryVerdant
Monday, May 23, 2011
Julie Talks About Homeschooling and Homebusiness
Julie is the creative mind behind Third Eye Artisans and a member of Sheteam. Today Julie is sharing with us a little bit about herself and her Etsy shop.
I have been married for 27 years to a remarkable man and have 8 children, ages 32 to 12. I also have 3 perfect grandsons, who I am blessed to see several times a week. My homeschooling adventure began 24 years ago as a stop-gap for my oldest daughter, who I pulled out of public school, not because of a dissatisfaction with the school system, but because of peer pressure and influence. We had planned to home school her that first year until we could find a suitable, small private Christian school to enroll her in. As the Lord would have it, I took the plunge and never looked back. I have graduated 5 of my children with 2 still in school, but almost done. My youngest has Down syndrome so I expect my homeschooling of him will never end.
We live a not-so-quiet life on 10 acres in the country, a life that I am quite content with. I call the happenings around here "controlled chaos" because of animals, school, jobs, errands, lessons, college, home business, grandchildren, etc. I can't believe how undeservedly blessed I am.
~~~~~~~Baby Hat~~~~~~
I have been crafty my whole adult life, but especially since I started homeschooling. I think crafting is such an integral part of homeschooling for most folks. I have taught all of my daughters to crochet and knit but I am the one who really enjoys the designing and experimenting with color, texture, and technique. My stash of yarn keeps growing and growing as I find different yarn suppliers. Please!! I can't help myself! I started out making my items and simply giving them away as gifts to everyone. Many times for "just because". Finally, my family and friends suggested I try and sell the things I was creating. My oldest daughter has a very successful etsy shop and she really urged me to open my own. So, I did.....
~~~~~Stained Glass Skinny Scarf~~~~~
You know, I have *so* many homeschooling memories but I have to say that one of my favorites is when, after spending what seemed like way too many grueling hours on phonics lessons with one son in particular, the light finally came on in his brain and he started reading. He's not stopped and is one of the best readers I know. It was an epiphany for me and a culmination of all those hours of toil, teaching a dyslexic child to read who might, otherwise, have been lost and forsaken in the public school system.
~~~~~Dopey Slouch Hat~~~~~
The best advice I can give, and have given, to any homeschooler trying to run a business is to not forget your priorities. It sounds cliche' but is so important. Anyone who looks at my shop can see I don't have monumental sales. It takes a lot of time to homeschool and a lot of time to run a business, as well. I can't do it all and neither can any homeschooling mom I know, although we try. The actual crocheting part of my business is easy because I do it while I'm schooling, during quiet time, and watching a movie in the evenings. But taking photos, writing descriptions, listing, etc. takes a lot of time and it's time that I'm not tending to household things so those etsy tasks don't get done as consistently as I'd like. For instance, right now I have about 20 new items that I need to list but I'm trying to get outside to photograph them, write descriptions, and get them listed. I try and work in the 20 minutes snippets of time I get here and there, rather than carving out a full 2 to 3 hours, which is nearly impossible. So, the new items wait, and sometimes wait a little longer. But I am at peace with where my shop is and where it's going. I'm mindful that there will be plenty of time later, maybe too much time, to devote to my shop. In the meantime, I do what I can, when I can.
~~~~~~~~~Razzle Dazzle Shawlette~~~~~~~~
Believe it or not, the inspiration for my pieces comes from inside my brain. I have *always* loved vivid color. I see a beautiful yarn and can picture in my head what to make with it. I tell a little story on my profile page about a first grade teacher who told me, and the whole class for that matter, that my Abraham Lincoln ditto sheet was not colored correctly because I didn't use black or brown but, instead, used every single color in my crayon box. In my little 6 year old brain, black and brown was boring and I wanted to see all the lovely colors that God has created in my picture. I've not changed much since then. Although I do use black and brown in some of my items, I mainly use bright, vivid colors and color combinations.
~~~~~Simple Scarf~~~~~
My main goal for homeschooling has basically remained unchanged all these years and that's to not focus on academics, although we all know how important that is. Rather, I want my children to be hard working, capable, common sense driven, other-oriented, people who know what they believe. I know many well intentioned homeschoolers who thought the whole reason for homeschooling was to just provide a better education than the public school and, although that is part of why we homeschool, it's not the main reason. So, for my husband and myself, if we've raised hard working people who value what God values, elevate others above themselves, and know what they believe, then we've succeeded.
As far as my shop, I would *love* to see my sales soar. We all know the feeling we get when a sale is made! I hope to see my sales continue on a steady course and as the Lord sees fit. As long as I can continue to create and give things to my family and friends, I'm happy.
I have been married for 27 years to a remarkable man and have 8 children, ages 32 to 12. I also have 3 perfect grandsons, who I am blessed to see several times a week. My homeschooling adventure began 24 years ago as a stop-gap for my oldest daughter, who I pulled out of public school, not because of a dissatisfaction with the school system, but because of peer pressure and influence. We had planned to home school her that first year until we could find a suitable, small private Christian school to enroll her in. As the Lord would have it, I took the plunge and never looked back. I have graduated 5 of my children with 2 still in school, but almost done. My youngest has Down syndrome so I expect my homeschooling of him will never end.
We live a not-so-quiet life on 10 acres in the country, a life that I am quite content with. I call the happenings around here "controlled chaos" because of animals, school, jobs, errands, lessons, college, home business, grandchildren, etc. I can't believe how undeservedly blessed I am.
~~~~~~~Baby Hat~~~~~~
I have been crafty my whole adult life, but especially since I started homeschooling. I think crafting is such an integral part of homeschooling for most folks. I have taught all of my daughters to crochet and knit but I am the one who really enjoys the designing and experimenting with color, texture, and technique. My stash of yarn keeps growing and growing as I find different yarn suppliers. Please!! I can't help myself! I started out making my items and simply giving them away as gifts to everyone. Many times for "just because". Finally, my family and friends suggested I try and sell the things I was creating. My oldest daughter has a very successful etsy shop and she really urged me to open my own. So, I did.....
~~~~~Stained Glass Skinny Scarf~~~~~
You know, I have *so* many homeschooling memories but I have to say that one of my favorites is when, after spending what seemed like way too many grueling hours on phonics lessons with one son in particular, the light finally came on in his brain and he started reading. He's not stopped and is one of the best readers I know. It was an epiphany for me and a culmination of all those hours of toil, teaching a dyslexic child to read who might, otherwise, have been lost and forsaken in the public school system.
~~~~~Dopey Slouch Hat~~~~~
The best advice I can give, and have given, to any homeschooler trying to run a business is to not forget your priorities. It sounds cliche' but is so important. Anyone who looks at my shop can see I don't have monumental sales. It takes a lot of time to homeschool and a lot of time to run a business, as well. I can't do it all and neither can any homeschooling mom I know, although we try. The actual crocheting part of my business is easy because I do it while I'm schooling, during quiet time, and watching a movie in the evenings. But taking photos, writing descriptions, listing, etc. takes a lot of time and it's time that I'm not tending to household things so those etsy tasks don't get done as consistently as I'd like. For instance, right now I have about 20 new items that I need to list but I'm trying to get outside to photograph them, write descriptions, and get them listed. I try and work in the 20 minutes snippets of time I get here and there, rather than carving out a full 2 to 3 hours, which is nearly impossible. So, the new items wait, and sometimes wait a little longer. But I am at peace with where my shop is and where it's going. I'm mindful that there will be plenty of time later, maybe too much time, to devote to my shop. In the meantime, I do what I can, when I can.
~~~~~~~~~Razzle Dazzle Shawlette~~~~~~~~
Believe it or not, the inspiration for my pieces comes from inside my brain. I have *always* loved vivid color. I see a beautiful yarn and can picture in my head what to make with it. I tell a little story on my profile page about a first grade teacher who told me, and the whole class for that matter, that my Abraham Lincoln ditto sheet was not colored correctly because I didn't use black or brown but, instead, used every single color in my crayon box. In my little 6 year old brain, black and brown was boring and I wanted to see all the lovely colors that God has created in my picture. I've not changed much since then. Although I do use black and brown in some of my items, I mainly use bright, vivid colors and color combinations.
~~~~~Simple Scarf~~~~~
My main goal for homeschooling has basically remained unchanged all these years and that's to not focus on academics, although we all know how important that is. Rather, I want my children to be hard working, capable, common sense driven, other-oriented, people who know what they believe. I know many well intentioned homeschoolers who thought the whole reason for homeschooling was to just provide a better education than the public school and, although that is part of why we homeschool, it's not the main reason. So, for my husband and myself, if we've raised hard working people who value what God values, elevate others above themselves, and know what they believe, then we've succeeded.
As far as my shop, I would *love* to see my sales soar. We all know the feeling we get when a sale is made! I hope to see my sales continue on a steady course and as the Lord sees fit. As long as I can continue to create and give things to my family and friends, I'm happy.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A little bit of fashion
Parisian Rose Pillowcase dress by CharmingNecessities
The Claire wristlet by handsfullcreations
Black and White Silk Charmeuse tichel by SowersOfHope
Summer Blues Scarf by donnasdesigns
Handmade Cheer Wavy Quarter Style Apron by Beegrl88
Vernian Lace Choker and Floral Brooch Set by honeybeebungalow
Posted by Kelly @ The Handmaden
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