The Ultimate Gift Part2

I have finally found the time to write part 2 of this post. Holiday time is just soooo crazy and stressful. I have one more holiday boutique to do this week and perhaps when it's over I can relax a little. In my last post, I mentioned two people who are kind enough to share their wealth of knowledge, give tutorials and business advice to those of us trying to promote our businesses on the Internet.

This evening I would like to mention a lovely lady whose work I featured in this post. I contacted her about featuring her work for my holiday shopping guide and wrote the feature including photos of her beautiful jewelry pieces. I have done this for many artisans and usually, but not always, receive a thank you and a nice comment on my blog. Maureen of Cosmosmoon went one step further. She made a ring just for me, which I now wear everyday . How special to receive a gift from a person I have never met just for writing a feature about her work. This act of kindness made my day wonderful and is what makes the holiday season special.

The Ultimate Gift

Choosing gifts for loved ones can be stressful or can give you a great sense of accomplishment and joy as you select a gift to put a smile on someone's face. In my opinion, the greatest gift and one that can only bring deep satisfaction to your life is being what I call a natural helper.
For the past year and a half I started a new endeavor in the jewelry design business. I learned how to set up a shop on Etsy, started my own business, learned how to take decent photos of my pieces and correct them on Photoshop. I have also learned a bit and I do mean the smallest little bit about SEO and how to promote my site on line. All of these skills did not come easily because I am truly computer challenged. I out am not part of the generation of computer mavens.
The Ultimate gift for me was the wealth of information and kind words I have received from people I have never met or spoken to in person. These are people who are willing to share their secrets of success without worrying about giving out information that could potentially bring success to others in competition with them. Two people that stand out in my mind are Contrariwise, another jewelry designer and Timothy Adam Designs ,who does modern metal jewelry furniture and art. Both of these artisans are successful and talented and yet find the time to give incredible tutorials and advice to others like me who are struggling through this process. Their information has been incredibly helpful and valuable. Don't miss their wonderful blogs, Contrariwise Ramblings and Timothy Adam Designs . I thank them both for their gifts. Come back tomorrow for part 2 of this post.

Holiday Boutique -Part 2

Here are the rest of the promised photos from my Holiday Boutique show. Getting a group of artisans together to show and sell their items is a great way to get publicity and new customers. It's also a lot of fun!

My Holiday Boutique 2008

The past few weeks I have been extremely busy with preparations for two holiday boutiques. The first was held at my friend's home in Pennsylvania and the other was held at my own home. I have always looked for unusual, handmade gifts for my friends and family and find most of my gifts at craft shows or the boutique shows at my friend's home. This year I decided to do one myself and was pleased with the results. Everyone enjoyed the food and had fun shopping in a relaxed atmosphere. The show featured my own jewelry as well as handmade scarves, pottery, an exquisite handmade lamp, hand knit baby booties and more. Stay tuned for more photos tomorrow...

Finding Motivation

Do you sometimes feel that all the effort you put into your work isn't worth the time spent? Do you get into a funk and lose faith in your ability to create or to motivate your students if you are a teacher? Having trouble impressing your colleagues or your boss or even yourself with your work lately? I just viewed this short video and loved the quotes and sent it out to my sons. Thought I would share it here . http://thejoymovie.com/ Take a few minutes to take a look at this and send it off to some friends.

A Home for Your Feathered Friends

I found the perfect items for the bird lovers on your holiday list. The etsy shop of http://birdhouseaccents.etsy.com/ carries the most charming birdhouses I have seen. These handmade homes come in many different styles, shapes and colors. The two birdhouses shown here caught my eye because of all the little detail work and great colors. The camper would make a great conversation piece and look adorable in your yard or on your deck. Any bird would be proud to call one of these dellightful creations home! Take a look at all my HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE suggestions and get your shopping done early.

Favorite Things 2008

Debbie Lawrence of Bird on a Wire has just released her lovely holiday catalog. Favorite Things 2008. Inside it you will find 70 pages chock full of great gift ideas. Debbie was kind enough to include my items on pages 42- 44 of this wonderful gift catalog. You will find all kinds of great holiday gifts in this catalog such as stationery, luscious hot cocoa, adorable children's shoes and many other interesting items. Don't miss it and then take out out your list and get that shopping done before Thanksgiving.