Williamsburg Vacation - Part 1

After several years, we finally saved up enough to go on vacation!  Since we're studying the beginning of our great country, it made sense to  head to Williamsburg, VA and see some living history. 

After several hours travel, we were ready to get our things to the room and figure out our schedule for the week. However, my hubby and daughter have a unique sense of humor (which bypassed me-I freely admit) and had fun getting the luggage.

 Our first full day in Virginia we spent over at Colonial Williamsburg. I usually don't give up the camera but my daughter insisted and she took a great picture.

We walked instead of taking the tour bus and toured some of the homes of the slaves and poor families.  But first we found some of the animals.

It's one thing to read about one-room homes and another thing entirely to be in one.  The lack of privacy was startling.

And just outside the house was the chicken coop.  Can't imagine having something that smells that badly that close to where you would sleep!

It was a really hot day...but building a home couldn't wait for comfortable weather.

The garden was in great shape!  Check out the amount of pollen on the bees legs...WOW!  And I have no idea what insect the other one is, but it was ugly.

And of course since this is hubby's area of expertise (history...especially American history) he was able to help us put things in perspective and explain about life in the times.

Once I find the rest of the pictures from our vacation, I'll get them posted!

Statue of Liberty

Words & Music by Neil Enloe


In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

Making Entertaining Easy

Just a few items from my shop that I think will help make your July parties memorable...

For you...fireworks captured on a glass pendant!  It comes with a silvertone chain.

Fireworks Pendant

For your table...red, white and blue fireworks wine glasses!

Fireworks Wine Glasses - Set of 4

And for your guests...wine charms to identify each person's glass!

Red, White and Blue Wine Charms

Have a safe and happy July! 

Thank you to all our troops who do so much.

It is recognized and appreciated!

Fab Friday

This week's Fab Friday artist I want to introduce you to is Leta from LetaMarieDesigns.  Her jewelry is simple and elegant and beautiful! 

How did you get started with your craft/art?

I have done other crafts (Knitting, Cross Stitch,etc) years ago, but it is my oldest daughter that got me started making jewelry. She is self taught and has been creating since her teens. 2 1/2 yrs. ago she decided I needed to to create jewelry too.

Christmas of '07 she gave me my first set of tools and showed me how to make a loop. I was off and running from there. I have learned a lot and look forward to learning how to do other things where jewerly making is concerned. I positively LOVE doing this and I give all the credit to my daughter for encouraging me and believing in me.

Vintage German Green Glass Earrings

What prompted you to set up a home-based business?

I wanted to sell the items I made. And there is that dream that maybe someday I could do only this not only because I love to, but to have it be my only source of income too. I realize this may never happen, but I will always keep trying.

What part of your craft is your favorite?

 Designing. Trying to figure out what to do with what I have on hand.  Which can also be a bit frustrating too. But it is always exciting to see what I come up with. My designs tend to run toward the simple for now.

Purple Enamel Earrings

How have you changed since starting your business? How has this impacted your craft?

I am so much more committed to buying handmade. And seeing all the Wonderful Artisans out there makes me work hard at delivering a well made product.

What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

Balancing time between networking and creating.

Faceted Tigers Eye Earrings

How did you come up with your shop name?

I choose the easy route. I combined my first and middle name. It rhymes pretty well.  Leta Marie~~hence letamariedesigns (my first name is pronounced with a long e and short a)

Where do you see yourself in five years? Where do you see your business?

I see having a wider range of items to offer. I see me continuing to sell online and at other venues. My goal is to work solely from home. Right now I still have to work outside the home as well, and hope eventually to have the income needed from jewelry sales to not have to.

Bridal Necklace and Earrings

How do you keep a balance between home and business responsibilities?

I am still working on that!

What is the funniest/craziest/most touching thing that has happened while having a business?

The most touching has been the Friendships I have formed online with some other artists. There are a few who have been just wonderful to me and have helped me so much. One even made me cry with her generosity!

Silver Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals

If you could give one piece of advice to others who are just getting started with their businesses, what would it be?

Network,Network,Network. And know you Can do it! We all have something unique  to offer.

Heart Charm Earrings

Can you give us some links to be able to follow you?

http://www.facebook.com/letamariedesign

http://www.artfire.com/users/letamariedesigns

http://www.zibbet.com/letamariedesigns

http://twitter.com/letamariedesign

And Fashion for All

It's a little early, but welcome to Lush Friday where you can see custom orders or just new products from some amazing artists!

I love custom orders.  And when it's an order for a bride, that just makes my heart sing!

I have a bride who is getting married this weekend on the beach (crossing my fingers for nice weather for her!) and she asked for a beach/shell design for her toasting glasses. 

I painted a shell garland around the top of the flute and then painted the bride and groom's names and their wedding date underneath.  Elegant and fun at the same time!

Well, the up-side of it all is that she liked them so much she then placed an order for gifts for her bridesmaids! 

Personalized on the base, these glasses are full of things that remind you of the beach!

Here's a close up...check out the crab on the far side of the glass! 

A high-heeled shoe and great little purse...does shopping get any better than this?!?

Strappy sandals and zebra-print heels along with the classic Tiffany's colors for a purse...sigh...

Shopping and the beach...you can't find a better combination!

**JUST LISTED**

What Shopping Dreams are Made of

Available at my Artfire shop

Shopping Fashionista

Available at my Etsy shop

Fab Friday

This week's featured artist is Taryn L. McCracken, whose shops specialize in great gifts for those special occasions featuring personal photos and personalized engraving.  With Father's Day just around the corner, you're sure to find a perfect gift for that special man in your life!

Part of the profits from her company, PictureIt Creations are donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Double Matted Frame

How did you get started with your craft/art?

When I had my son and we decided that it’d be beneficial for me to stay home, I wanted to explore the more creative side I had when I was younger. It started off with photo editing and making creative gifts with pictures. Shortly after getting started with it, my husband and I started researching photo engraving machines. Since then, business has really taken off and now that creative gene I ignored for so many years is in full bloom.

What prompted you to set up a home-based business?

My family and husband encouraged me to start selling my photo editing. I knew selling online would be ideal since I was staying home with my son. My husband also owns a company so we were familiar with the paperwork and legal aspects of owning a business.

Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Lid

What part of your craft is your favorite? (Designing, creating the actual piece, working with custom orders, etc)

I love every part of my business. But, I think my favorite would have to be working with the customer to help them create the “Perfect gift”.

How have you changed since starting your business? How has this impacted your craft?

I’ve changed quite a bit since the start of PictureIt Creations. I started off working with photos, editing them, making collages, etc and it’s evolved into putting photos on several different pieces. I do a lot of personalization as far as just adding a name or a phrase to things as well, but I still base the business around pictures. When I began expanding the business, I learned to open my mind to new things. Now, I’m constantly thinking of what else I can create or where else I can put a photo.

Black Marble Tile Square

What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

I think keeping a good balance between crafting and doing the business side of it (i.e. web design, networking, bookkeeping, research, etc.) I have an Accounting degree and a lot of business experience so I enjoy both aspects. But, I can’t let myself get wrapped up too much into one or the other. And doing everything myself, it makes it even harder to keep this balance because I can’t delegate tasks. I just try to keep focused the best I can, don’t get behind on orders and keep on top of the emails.

Golf Divot Tool and Marker Keychain

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I started, I was strictly working with photos and working with customers to create the gift items THEY think of. So, I called it PictureIt Creations. My first motto was “If you can PictureIt, we can Create it”.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Where do you see your business?

I thought for a long time, that PictureIt Creations was a small, part-time kind of job or hobby. But, PictureIt and I have grown so much in the last few months that I can honestly see myself staying home after the kids are in school and running it full time instead of having to go back to work for someone else. I am also a photography student. Another goal I’d like for PictureIt, is to combine my photography skills/studio with the gift items of PictureIt.

Rosewood SpotOn Hunting Knife

How do you keep a balance between home and business responsibilities?

This is a tough one! Being home with 3 small kids, I am basically a mom during the day. I do check emails and run a few orders while everyone is awake and running around. But, basically, my job as a business owner starts as soon as they are in bed either for a nap or for the night. I also get a tremendous amount of help with my family. I have family that will step with the kids if I need to work on catching up and my husband is great at staying up late with me to help fill orders and figure out any problems that might come up.

Multi Tool LED Keychain

What is the funniest/craziest/most touching thing that has happened while having a business?

I haven’t told anyone this in a long time. But, when I first started, people would send me their images or tell me what they are looking for and I’d help design the item…just as I do today. Well, this particular client was a business owner. And when she came to me with her ideas, she wouldn’t really tell me what it was for except for it was a charm for some sort of jewelry or accessory that she makes. In going back and forth in emails, we did finally come up with what she was looking for but my curiosity got me to ask what it was for (assuming we’d be partnered up in the future for me to create her store charms). It ended up being for an adult only online gift shop (I’ll leave it at that). I’ve learned since then, I don’t ask what the customer doesn’t offer to tell me. Just do it. LOL

Wood Tape Measure Keychain

If you could give one piece of advice to others who are just getting started with their businesses, what would it be?

Network. Use twitter, Facebook, Myspace…there are so many different ways to network. It’ll help get your name out there and put your craft where people can see it. But, also meeting new people is so important. Anybody met through these networking sites could end up being anything from a customer to a huge inspiration or mentor. I have joined a few forums and handmade communities and although, we’ve only “met” online, it feels almost like some of them we’ve been friends for years. It’s great to be able to bounce ideas off of someone or gain a little insight or knowledge on a particular subject from someone that shares your interests.

Can you give us some links to be able to follow you?

Shop Online:
http://www.pictureitcreations.com/

http://www.pictureitcreations.etsy.com/

http://www.pictureitcreations.artfire.com/

http://www.zibbet.com/pictureitcreations.com

Network:

http://www.facebook.com/pictureitcreations

http://www.twitter.com/Justpictureit

http://www.pictureitcreations.blogspot.com/

Fab Friday

This week's Fab Friday feature is artist Anna Blair.

How did you get started with your craft/art?

I taught High School art for most of my life and retired after teaching 38 years. I reincarnated (rewired) a small kiln I hadn't used for thirty years and decided to use the training in fused glass that I was given at an Art Teacher's inservice class one summer.

Exuberant Fused Glass Dichroic Pendant

What prompted you to set up a home-based business?

I love art, all phases and all medium. Fused glass is a fun process (I love to open the kiln after eight hours and see what has happened...) Sharing my work with strangers is a joy!

What part of your craft is your favorite? (Designing, creating the actual piece, working with custom orders, etc)

I love all of it. Some pieces I really like and it's satisfying when someone else thinks so too.

Woodsy Green Pendant Necklace

 How have you changed since starting your business? How has this impacted your craft?

I'm still learning and exploring different things. I think my work has improved as a result...I know my photography has! lol

What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

Trying to connect with people who are looking for the type of work I do.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Moot point. I wish I would've taken more time for something really catchy, but Sie La Vie.

Royal Blue Purse Hanger

Where do you see yourself in five years? Where do you see your business?

Busy enough to break even would be a good thing! Lol. I buy sterling chains and bails and quality material (dichroic glass is approx. $43.00 an ounce)...more sales would be a good thing!

How do you keep a balance between home and business responsibilities?

I could not have done it as a younger, fully employed person I don't think.
I remember how harried I was and how precious every minute seemed to be when I was working full time, with two children, a husband and a house to take care of.

Soldered Photo Framed Necklace

What is the funniest/craziest/most touching thing that has happened while having a business?

The most touching thing was a woman that said she was looking for a necklace to give her friend on the anniversary of the friend's daughter's death. She related that she and her husband had invited the
friend, husband and young son, out to dinner shortly after the daughter's death, in an effort to get them out of the house where they were grieving.As they were all leaving the restaurant, the hostess gave the 5 year old boy a balloon. They were walking across the lot to their car, when the boy called out "wait!" They turned to look as the boy released his balloon and announced "this is for Becky to play with up in Heaven!" The pendant I had made showed a joyful little girl, running with a balloon! It could not have been more perfect for her gift.

Winter Dichroic Necklace

If you could give one piece of advice to others who are just getting started with their businesses, what would it be?

Don't give up! Stay the course.

Can you give us some links to be able to follow you? (Etsy, Artfire, Twitter, Facebook, etc)

http://www.ab2255.etsy.com 

http://www.artfire.com/users/DichroicGlassWorks

http://www.zibbet.com/glassworks

Finished?!!!

"It is finished" is the last sentence uttered by Christ on the cross.  Three short words but the victory chant for Christians throughout the ages. 

The word "finished" is actually the Greek banking term that meant "Paid in full."  The debt (or cost) of each person's lifetime of sin had been paid.  I do not have the ability to explain how a holy God could take on the sins of an entire world, nor how an eternity of punishment was meted out in three earth hours except to state that I don't have to explain it, I just have to believe it.  It's the cornerstone of my faith.

Jewish tradition says at 3 in the afternoon on Fridays, a priest would blow the shofar as a call to the people to prepare themselves for the coming Sabbath and to re-focus their lives away from their everyday concerns and back on God.  Now imagine that it is the Friday of the crucifixion and you are standing at the foot of the cross.  You hear the blast of the shofar and as the sound fades away, hearing "It is finished...The debt is paid in full...There is nothing else left on his or her account." 

The thought gives me goosebumps. 

Christ stands ready to give you a brand new life...He doesn't care how messed up your current one is, or how much of it you have lived already.  He is willing to take your old, ruined and stained life and give you one that He has planned for you.  It even comes with an instruction book (the Bible) and companions (your local church).  You aren't alone anymore...that old life is "finished" and you have a new one just waiting for you to come and get it.

Fab Friday

This week's Fab Friday feature is Diane Pugh who has the Etsy shops Smilingpackrat and DianasWonderWorks as well as the ArtFire shop DianasWonderWorks. 

How did you get started with your craft/art?

I have been drawing as long as I can remember. My first clear memory was drawing pictures out of National Geographic magazines when I was 8 years old. I would draw the birds, animals and trees, flowers and all. I have some copies and they are actually very good, but when it exactly started must have been earlier, just no recollection.

As I grew older, like at 12 I had a family friend try to teach me to crochet, I learned how to do stained glass, took photography, dark room, painting, drawing all in middle school, and learned the clarinet. Through the years, because no one thought it as a real job, looked at it as unimportant. So the older I got the more I started on self teaching. It is my release of pain, stress and also my way of creating beauty out of the ugly things that try to make their way into my world or the world in general.

Geometric Sun - Signed Print

What prompted you to set up a home-based business?

I have had 3 businesses to date, all were very successful. But now, twice divorced, broke and back problems, neck problems and issues with my hand, I found myself unable to keep up at work. I can do the work, I still work harder than anyone I work with. I love to work hard and make the day go by. Sadly, now my body is breaking from it all. Things I could do 12 or more hours a day, seven days a week, now leave me in pain and unable to use my hands, in a matter of hours. then when my arms go numb and weak, unable to hold a pen to even write a check, or hold a cup. It takes weeks to recuperate. Out of determination not to end up a victim of our not so great system, I am desperately trying to build a new business for myself through my gifts. I can only hope and work as hard as possible to bring my greatest dream to reality. To be able to retire eventually on my own two feet, successfully, happily and still a useful citizen in society!

What part of your craft is your favorite? (Designing, creating the actual piece, working with custom orders, etc)

I love it all so much and could never give up even one. I can honestly say that with money I would learn even more about arts and crafts I have not been able to play with. My all time favorite so far, is still drawing, and painting. But I love the relaxation I get from craft work as well, it just hurts me more, because of the strenuous hand usage needed to make things.

Flower Accent Pieces

 How have you changed since starting your business? How has this impacted your craft?

I just keep getting smarter, learning more about business online, is very different, from running a business where you meet people face to face and can make that instant connection. Getting to know so many people online, has helped me to also try things and experiment more with things I haven't done before. I know I am much happier being able to make my own schedule and not have to hurt myself so badly everyday. i look forward to the day when it all pays off, and I can be vigorously managing not only an online business, but to use this as a venue to have a little shop and studio of my own!

The Tortoise 

What is the most challenging aspect of running your business?

Finding the best way to be successful online, without a doubt is the biggest challenge. Everything from advertising it, to making connections is much harder. Internet businesses, like internet relationships can be very deceiving. So it takes longer to make true connections that really work, it is harder to know peoples true intentions in cyberspace. But, the rewards when you make then are just as special.

The Movie Starlet

How did you come up with your shop name?

It has been my dream to be a successful artist and craftier for all of my life. I make things and I love them, it just made sense, my dreams, my works, my dream for work!

Where do you see yourself in five years? Where do you see your business?

Running a small shop, studio and a great online company. Making friends and clients from all over the world, and having an opportunity to travel to those people and places. Seeing and experiencing more things and more arts, so that I can continue to grow at my arts and to also really appreciate what others do for their art as well.

Victoria's Sunflower

How do you keep a balance between home and business responsibilities?

I have to move a lot to keep myself out of pain. Being at home and working for myself makes it easier to break up the day and balance both without hurting or getting stiff. I love to move around, I love my art. The art gives me a chance to be still, the other things in life keep me mobile. I guess the shortest answer is I let my body decide what to do in that moment!

Lacy Vintage Style Gloves

What is the funniest/craziest/ most touching thing that has happened while having a business?

Well, I met a women from one of the craft stores I bought supplies in many years ago. We only met a dozen times, here and there in town or at her work over a period of two years or so. I had started a business making jewelry at a flea market and business was very good. One weekend a young girl came in and started to talk to me about her mom. She told me her mother had been speaking of me and had asked her daughter (I met the daughter a couple of times in passing), if she saw me around she wanted my number. I has touched, so I gave her a business card and told her to have her mother call me. We hadn't seen each other in around nine months or so.

I was going through a divorce, my back required surgery for me to do anything, I was really sad and feeling useless. One morning as I lay in bed crying, the typical why me thing, the phone rang. My daughter came to my room to let me know the phone was for me. It was this woman, she was dying of cancer. My heart broke! We talked for a while that day and met up several times after that, she is missed. Anyway, she called to tell me, she thought I was an angel, literally. I was shocked. Through the years she had left her job at the craft store and by chance we had run into each the at the store. She told me about her position, she needed to work and was confused on what to do. I asked her a few questions and found she loved remodeling boats. So I gave her the advice to start her own business, so she could be with her kids and still earn an income. I told her how to get it started, all those things to get her on her way. She had taken that advice and turned it into a great business, so good, her husband left his job to go work for her.

I am not sure what to say, it still makes me cry to think of it. She passed about 4 months after that call and I will never forget her. She was my angel that day! She helped me realize, that no matter how useless I feel, I will never really know the value I possess in some one's eyes!

If you could give one piece of advice to others who are just getting started with their businesses, what would it be?

• Stay positive.
• Leave no stone unturned.
• Everyday have plan, make some step to move the business forward.
• Do not give up, if you work at it, it will come.
• Trust yourself!
• Never forget that if you don't believe in yourself, how can you ever convince some one else too.
• If you truly love what you do, others will love it too.

Can you give us some links to be able to follow you? (Etsy, Artfire, Twitter, Facebook, etc)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/smilingpackrat

http://www.artfire.com/users/dianaswonderworks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dianaswonderworks

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?