It's the last Friday of the month and fall has arrived (huzzah!) which means it's time to start writing blog posts every day once more. Starting on Monday, September 29th, I'll be blogging 6 days a week (taking Sunday off to regroup for the upcoming week) and share mostly what I do and how I do it, what artisans I've found along the way will be highlighted here and there and promotional things! Fun!!
This week I celebrated my 60th birthday.
First thing in the morning, my 7 year old Grandson gifted me with a handmade birthday card (with a little assistance from his Mom). How cute is he?!
The fun continued as I went to Peddler's Village in Bucks County, PA (
http://www.peddlersvillage.com/ ) with my favorite cousin. We had a good time walking around the cobblestone and brick streets looking in and around at the marvelous and varied shops there. We stopped for lunch where there was a gluten-free menu. I had a very filling BLT with mesquite chicken and we shared a decadent chocolate dessert; I only thought about getting photos of it all once it was gone. Trust me ... it was delicious!
My cousin treated me to a new pendant and I truly love it!
And ... I found the perfect sign that captures my philosophy "to a t":
It says:
"A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset. When you wake up, take a second to think about what a privilege it is to simply be alive and healthy. The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, I assure you that it will start to feel like one. Time spent living is time worth appreciating."
It was a joyful day.
On Tuesday, the Autumnal Equinox arrived, which means my favorite time of year is upon us!
In The Studio, it has been busy. I grouted the doll!
I adore her "out of this world" look. And her space boots, gloves and helmet all look awesome, don't you think? I'm thinking about retro names for her but haven't yet settled on anything. Any suggestions? Leave comments here if you think of a cool, retro name.
I also grouted the black and white bowl. It looks fantastic and was listed this week on Etsy.
I did start work on the 3 story birdhouse. It looks pretty cool already.
~ANNOUNCEMENT~
Online stores news for 2015: This is an unofficial announcement really ... more like a "heads up" I suppose. After a lot of thought and consideration, I've decided to close Etsy, Storenvy and Meylah shops in January of 2015 and move everything to my own website (which I am working on now). I'm trying to find a way to make my life a little less complicated and a little more balanced. I'm always evolving and changing and this seems like the best solution for my struggles with Etsy and my online business.
My customers can follow along and find new things to purchase or request custom orders through links provided here and everywhere I share info that will take them to the website. As always, you can see things I'm working on here on the blog, on my Facebook Pages, Instagram, Pinterest and so on. Nothing much will change except the listings fees for me. It will be easier also to promote and keep track of it all because it all will be in one central place.
What will change for the worst are my views and traffic to the website, I imagine. Since starting over on a new site always takes time, I'm hoping some of the loyal Etsians who love what I do there will stop by my website once in a while and say hello and possibly share what they like from the new website onto their favorite social media spots. Less views and traffic has been one reason I've put off leaving the online venues but I know they aren't serving me as well as they used to. And I know nothing stays the same, so it's time to start something new!
This past year on Etsy has mostly been hard for me and I've lost money trying to keep listings active. It's time for me to concentrate on the next chapter, as Etsy has changed so much over the years (and continues to move away from handmade art and artisans), it seems like the right move. I've had a good run and like any relationship that lasts 5 years, it's hard to leave because when it's good, it's really good but it's time to say goodbye and move on.
I'll still use the labs for my photo prints and keep those who are interested in purchasing pillow covers, tote bags and all the rest in the loop here and on the new website of items they can purchase.
When the true, official announcement comes out, you all will be asked if you'd like to join my mailing list to see new items first before they are shown on the website and social media spots. Preferred customers deserve special treatment and discounts will be available once in a while too!
Wish me luck. I am sad to leave what is familiar but it's always good to accept the facts: it's time to "close the door" and see what new adventures come my way.
Have a great weekend!
Support Independent Artisans, Designers and Crafters for your gift-giving needs all throughout the year. Thank you!
Stay peaceful,
Cindy
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