Many new faces

I wanted to take a moment and say hello to the many new followers of this blog. I recently joined the Rochester New York Etsy Street Team (RNEST) and as a result, I was able to participate in a give away that we are doing on our RNEST Blog. The group does a number of contests for our members and giveways to our blog followers that helps us get exposure and allows us to get our handmade items into the hands of others who can show them off in the world.

It was so gratifying to hear so many people comment on the pieces in my Etsy shop. I was surprised at how many different pieces people commented on. Thank you so much for taking the time to look in on what I offer. It's been the single best thing I've ever done for myself and knowing that others enjoy what I create is very satisfying.


If you would like to get in on the Wednesday Wellspring Giveaways, you can follow the RNEST Blog as we put up a new give away every Wednesday which runs for a week. You can still get in on the give away for the Beaded Rosettes Bracelet until Tuesday September, 21st.

Finally, after all these years....a

Finally, after all these years, I have a posse. Ok, maybe not a posse, but...peeps?

After being on Etsy for over a year and trying to get the Etsy going and the shows going and the designing going, I found a break in my schedule to actually attend the Rochester New York Etsy Street Team (RNEST) monthly meeting in August. I'd kept wanting to for months and months but it never quite worked out until then.

Now, we've all been to the meetings and we all know the drill. Nothing gets done. It's mostly a whine and moan session. It's not productive, it's fairly negative and you leave, usually trying to dodge that person who's trying to rope you into some committee, vowing never to return.

I can't tell you how thrilled I was that this simply was not the case here. These people are not only happy with what ever success they are having, they are interested in the success of everyone in the group, not just themselves. There was a vibrant exchange of ideas, resources and the welcome I got was warm and genuine. There was no uncomfortable hierarchy that can come with these sort of groups and there was no "artiste" trying to run the show.

These are real people, with real talent, who are investing their time to help and support each other and it's positive and I am delighted to have finally put the pliers down and attended a meeting.

The talent at these meetings is astounding. You've got Jackbear, who's making really different and interesting rubber stamps, Michelle, who's shop The Quilted House, features amazing quilts, Buenahelena, who upcycles one of a kind items from the most amazing things and a whole host of others who I'll mention in another RNEST featured blog.

These are people like me - passionate, creative, and looking to network and befriend others in who are doing it hand made.

I feel so lucky to have finally started to go to the meetings and see more of my peeps, familiar and new.

Hate mail from a 12 year old

Dear Ms. Maven,

Why haven't you put the Harry Poter house bracelets. U know, Ravenclaw and Griffindor and Hufflepuff and Slytherin? Where are they??? I NEED THEM I'M HAVING A PARTY!!!

Paul

Dear Paul,

Thank you so much for your note. I realize that I have disappointed you by not having these bracelets available at this moment. I will do my best to have these available in my shop as soon as possible. If you would like to let me know exactly what you will be needing, the measurements and how many of each house, I would be happy to fill the order in time FOR YOUR PARTY!!!!

Ask your mom for a cookie. Life is far to short to be this upset at such a young age.

The Maven