Time Flies....

Time sure flies when you're having "fun."

It's been a long dry spell between posts and I must apologize. I've been dealing with family issues and haven't had the time to play in my shop... and oh how I've missed it, but family comes first and always will. I had have some great plans for new items and expanding existing lines.

Coffee Time Windchime
from GrapeVine Ceramics and Gifts
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94218121/ceramic-wind-chime-coffee-time-wind 

I am getting back into the swing of things and can't wait to see what develops next. I have faith it's going to be a great year. 

Even with all the disruptions, I was able to obtain all my goals and am trying to work out the goals for the remainder of this year.

Rustic Cuff with C.S. Lewis quote:
You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream
from The Rustic Cuff
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticCuff 

Goals for last year:
Sales: 50 - DID it - I actually had 95!!!
Items in Shop: 50 - DID it - Found so far my magic number for sales is 50 items in the shop.
Craft Shows: Have enough inventory that I don't have to strip shelves - Not so successful - Family issues, but I only did one show.
Consignment: Keep consignment shops stocked with best selling and new items - For the most part this was accomplished. My sales were up for the year with my consignment shop and in a stagnant mid-western economy I can't complain.

Goals for 2012:
Sales: 100
Items in Shop: 75
Craft Shows: I will have enough inventory and do more than one show this year!
Consignment: Continue to keep existing consignment shop stocked and try to add at least one more.

Life is a Challenge Plaque
by Heritage Valley Pottery
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heritagevalleypotter 

I believe these are obtainable and may even raise them as the year progresses - got to make it a challenge.... don't I?

Do You Still Believe? I DO

It's been a while since I could take the time to sit down and write. I've been working on special orders for the holidays and trying to get some "new" things ready to go. So instead of talking shop, I've decided to share some of my family's Christmas Magic.

Vintage Glitter Pear Ornaments from Black Magic Emporium
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackMagicEmporium

Do you still believe in Santa Claus? I DO!!! One of the best reasons is my husband, his actions as a teenager and the tradition that he carries on to this day.

When my husband was about seventeen there was a young family that lived across the street. The mom was a stay at home mother and the dad had just lost his job at the beginning of the month. My husband was helping to shovel their sidewalk when he overheard them talking about how they were going to handle Christmas. See they had a four year-old boy and a little girl in Kindergarten, and if they were going to make their house payment there couldn't be a Christmas. So they felt the only thing they could do was them the "truth."

Good Old Santa Ornament from GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrapeVineCeramicsGft

Now my husband was a helpful guy but he was also unapproachable to those who didn't know him. He played hard, had a lot of fun and damn the consequences. But to those who actually know him, he's one of the most stand up guys you're going to meet. He'll give you the shirt off his back if you are in need. He still remembered the excitement of having presents from Santa at Christmas and he didn't want to see a little kid, let alone two grow up without that experience. So my husband hatched a plan... He took his beer money for the month (yes at seventeen he always made sure he had beer money... see description above) and bought Christmas for the family. He managed a small decorated tree for their table, a Barbie, Barbie car, clothes and accessories, a Big Wheel trike, and Hotwheels cars for the little ones, and hats and gloves for the whole family. He then dropped them off on their door step the weekend before Christmas (rang the doorbell and ran). We don't know if they had already told the kids but either way Santa came and the next year they all believed.

Parker's Christmas Tree Forest by Kater's Acres
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatersAcres

My husband a few of his friends have since adopted a different family that is struggling every year since. They all pitch in for gifts and take turns playing Santa. As they get older they are finding it more difficult not to get caught, especially when families have pets, so they are slowly asking their sons to join in.

I Believe... Copper and Sterling Stampled Necklace by Little Green Room
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleGreenRoom

So... I still do believe... The idea of a person "Santa" is gone, but the feeling, the giving, the anticipation and excitement, and above all the love remains.