My Perfect Summer Evening...

I am often heckled by my cousin. "Are you working again?!" he says. Or my favorite... "OH, You're working, I don't want to bother you." It funny because he only seems to text me or message me when I an deep in thought, or working on my next big project. Or perhaps I do spend too much time working.

My cousin and I are only a few years apart from another, him being eldest. We were raised more like brother and sister than cousins. So we have a long history of poking fun at one another. I have to admit the heckling has always been fun. Its more of a show of endearment than harassment.

It is obvious that he thinks I work too much, and he worries. But... He is missing how much I enjoy building my company and the work I do. Mos t of the time I don't feel like I am working. I'm creating fun, beautiful things! No! Correction, I'm not just creating things that are beautiful and fun, I'm creating USEFUL, beautiful, and fun things! Items I can use often and share with others. Items no one should never live without.

The best part creating my product is that I get to share what I create with others. I give them a chance experience my joy when they own one of my creations.

Here is a real example of why I love to create useful,  fun, and beautiful things.

I love to make fresh summer drinks. Mojitos are one of my favorite and I enjoy them most often. Mainly because I have a huge variety of mint plants growing in my garden every year. They'd take over if I let them. So what better solution... make delicious Mojitos?!?!

BUT....

Who wants to enjoy a special drink in the same old boring glass every time? NOT ME! I want my drink to make me sparkle. I want to feel like I am having a mini party on my back deck. Soooooo, I create hand painted glass that I can use.

Check it out! This was taken this evening as my cousin heckled me about working too hard.

I was out on my deck, enjoying a Mojito made form the mint in my yard, and reading some business related materials. My son was playing with is ball and diggers, and the birds were singing. It was a delightful evening. I look at the table next me and see this bright yellow polka dot glass holding my drink. I can't help but smile! This is what I create!!!

Nope doesn't sound much like work to me. AND.... When ,I am all done the glass goes in the dishwasher for another time. Easy!

Work doesn't have to feel like work. Who said work has to be stressful and boring? Who said work has to be laborious? Sure not everyday is a "Mojito on the deck" kind of day, but I make the most of my time and try to remain in a positive mental state. I choose to find or create a little happy in every moment!

I hope you do too!

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Etsy Treasuries

When I started my shop on Etsy in 2011, I was not impressed with it. I felt lost in the huge variety of shops and artful handmade products. I was frustrated with the struggle to stand out! Recently I discovered I was looking at it all wrong!

Etsy is a wonderful place to shop, of course!!! But the community aspect adds a great deal of depth to the Etsy experience. There are so many people willing to help you with anything you need. It took me reading about this community in books for me to discover it!! Yep, I was CLUELESS!!

Got a question? Need clarification? Just post it or send a shop owner a message, and someone will answer you. Some forums, threads, and teams are a little less active than others, so if you don't get your answer in a few days try another one. I would actually be surprise if you did not get an answer within minutes!!  Don't get frustrated (like I did) because there are plenty of people actively helping newbies. I even see veterans posting questions on various subjects. We can't know it all when we first jump in. It takes time to learn the ins and outs of this vast community. So take your time and check out all the great things Etsy has to offer.

One of my favorite community aspects of Etsy are the Treasuries. This is a place where you can gather up to 16 of your favorite items (per treasury) from your favorite shops and display them proudly. You can share the link with friends and family. Think of it... your husband is usually clueless about what to get you for your birthday or anniversary... Email him your own treasury filled with ideas!!! He will have 16 items to choose from and you can still be surprised!!!

Another one of the best parts of these lists is that the more clicks your treasury gets the greater chance it has of being displayed on Etsy's front page! So if you share it enough, all the things you love will be there for others to love.

Something to remember about creating treasuries is to make it beautiful. You might also like to create specific themes like, Summer, the Sea, use your favorite color as a theme, etc.

Below are a few great treasuries you should check out. Some I made and some have been made by my team members.

Green is Keen!

Twilight Before the Storm 

Summer Fun

Just Because

For Dad...

These are only a few of the great treasuries you can explore. I hope you take some time to explore the other treasuries out there, and create your own.

Please remember the shops and owners who bring you these wonderful treasures. They work hard to create items for your enjoyment. Show your appreciation by keeping them in business. I know many of these items are one-of-a-kind and will not be available again. So when you find items you really like, act quickly in making them YOURS!!!

It's a Win-Win!!! You support the economy while shopping for and sharing the beautiful hand crafted items!

ENJOY!!