Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Make and Take Retreats, A truly valuable experience for you, your family, and friends.

I have attended many home parties and frankly I am sick of them. I mean no offense to home party consultants who love hounding their family and friends... and friends of friends… and friends of friends, friends for the purpose of scheduling a home party and earning you that new car. I have to admit a new car would be pretty sweet!

I just feel these home parties have gotten stale, like week-old bread... My most recent home party was one of those make up parties. The consultant was, how do I say this nicely….  Well, she was snooty as snooty can be. Sorry, I had no way to say that nicely. I am not sure if she was just trying to be professional, or just trying too hard.... but I felt like I was talked at the entire time I was there. I was never talk to or made to feel valuable to her.  Maybe I am being snarky, but I have a strong opinion about these things. Here is why.

I was never fully engaged by this consultant. It wasn't until I started making witty comments that I was recognized. Perhaps this was because she is a consultant. She is not truly invested in "her Business" because the business she calls her own was created buy someone else. Regardless, I should have walked away from that party feeling beautiful or valuable. Isn't that the idea? Make your potential customers feel fabulous so they want to interact with you and buy your stuff!

My expectation, as a consumer and a business woman, is that if I am coming into someone’s home to sell something, then I should also (and most importantly) be there to create a relationship based on trust and value. This is not a feeling I have received from any of the home parties I have attended. If my logic is wrong someone please tell me!

Anyway…

I’m baking up a whole new loaf of bread. This one you’re certain to LOVE!!!

I have decided to create a new type of event you can share with your family and friends... one you walk away from feeling a bit more fulfilled! I’m creating events that build local relationships, support our local economy, and give us something to look forward to. Think of these events as some well-deserved adult time with your family and friends. It’s time to get away from all the mundane cares of life… It’s time for a Retreat!!!

It is my honor to introduce to you, the Elegantly Haunted Make and Take Retreats™.


No, this is not another home party! Instead this is time spent learning something new, sampling local offerings, creating a small project, and spending some serious quality time with your friends and family.

Here is a quick outline of what you can expect during your retreat!


  • Make and Take! You get to be creative. Or if you are creatively challenged, you can pretend. It’s all good with me. This means instead of sitting around and having a catalog of items (you probably don’t need) shoved down your throat; we will make a paper craft together. When you schedule your retreat you can choose from list of crafts, and you can customize your theme. YEAH!! I know! Do one, for a single fun event, or do them all and have months of fun! It’s up to you!


  • Buy Local! Okay here is my dirty little secret. My real intention behind your retreat is to show you all the great local options we have near us. Local food, wine, beer, etc. I will bring one local wine (or beer) to sample, a local appetizer to share, and my local handmade items for you and your guests to peruse. Okay, I was kidding, that really isn't a dirty little secret. If you didn't catch it, I like to joke! 


  • HAVE FUN! Maybe this one should have been at the top, but… Taa Daa! Here it is! All kidding aside, this is important. I want you and your guests to have a great time. This should be time you spend enriching your existing relationships and building new ones! I don’t like awkward moments when you are surrounded by people you hardly know! Some people are great at engaging new people. I’m not when it comes to the home party atmosphere. I retreat into my drink instead. I see many others doing the same so I know I am not alone. My retreat atmosphere will help elevate any awkwardness which in turn makes things fun!


  • Community. To me this is also important. I hope it is also important to you. Without community we would not have many of the fabulous outlets we so enjoy! So part of our time together you will be learning a little about me and my involvement in the community. I want you and your guests to know who I am not just what I do. I want you all to be inspired to support your independently owned and operated businesses.


  • Try Before You Buy. I promise! I try very hard to not sell you anything. Truthfully, I can’t stand sales people. I have met far too many of the shadier sort and I avoid them when I can. I prefer to allow you as the consumer the chance to touch, hold, and become personal with my creations. Here is how it works. When your retreat begins you and your guests will be asked to browse my selection of hand painted beverage glasses. Once you find one you like you then choose a glass that glass to use during our time together. I want you and your guests to feel special and enjoy my unique items! In addition, your glass will be very distinctive so you will know which glass is yours to drink from. I save you some serious guess work!


  • Convenient Shopping! So we talked about “Try before you buy”, now let’s talk about what keeps small business folk, like myself, in business. Near the end of our time together you and your guests will have the chance to purchase my handmade items. Just about everything I bring with me can be purchased and orders will be taken for additional products. Custom orders are also welcome. Just think the holidays are creeping up on us very quickly!!! YIKES!



Well! I think that about summarizes my Make and Take Retreats™. Now it’s time to schedule your retreat. Simply visit my website http://www.elegantlyhaunted.com/make-and-take-home-parties/ and complete the contact form at the bottom of the page. 

What? Wait! You’re not familiar with Elegantly Haunted? You have no idea what you are missing!

It’s time to get curious and check out my website! Here is the link! http://www.elegantlyhaunted.com/

You will love what you see! I have something for everyone, and if you don’t see it I can make it!!!

I look forward to talking with you soon… More so, I look forward to our Make and Take Retreat together!

Cheers! 

Brandy Boswell
Artist and Owner
Elegantly Haunted




Thursday, June 6, 2013

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.








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!!



Thursday, April 12, 2012

Buy LOCAL... Buy it here! Keep it HERE!

Last night was an amazing evening spent in and for the community.


Elegantly Haunted is a proud member of the Buy Local Coalition here in York, PA. Buy Local is movement we all should be participating in. Now! I am not one to tell anyone how to live and spend their own money, but this is something worth expressing. I speak frankly so please understand that I don’t mean to be harsh, but instead I intend to be honest!

Buying your products and service locally keeps your own local economy healthy and thriving! Want more money for your schools? ... support local business. Want better parks and recreation? ... support local business.

On top of your taxes and own personal contributions to the community, local businesses are the top supporters of local programs. A strong local economy thrives and gives way to strong schools, and a solid social structure.

The facts are clear. I am an Artist, numbers, financial reports, talk of the economy, etc. all make me zone out to another world. I doodled my way through economics class. But I get this!

Buying local saves our community from the turmoil of economic downfalls and recessions. When we choose to invest in our communities through local business, we ensure a strong fabric that will hold up against what happens elsewhere. What goes up will come down, but with a tightly stretched trampoline beneath us we will bounce back faster and higher than before!

Or you can think of it way, a strong local economy is a protective bubble that helps shield us from bad decisions made by larger and more reckless corporations. Small business is the backbone of our nation, without small businesses we would be at the mercy of a few select organizations. Have you read or seen the Lorax... then you will understand what I mean. Adding variety and choice to our lives allows us to remain diverse free thinkers, and reinforces our ideals of a free nation. Yes! It does go that deep!

So if you live in the York area, check out the Buy Local Coalition website. It is filled with fabulous local business and organizations that add value and wealth to our community.

Happy supporting!!!






Thursday, April 5, 2012

April is Buzzing!!!!


WOW! April is busy! Really!!!

This month Elegantly Haunted is buzzing to bring you the best hand painted glassware. Check out Elegantly Haunted's Calendar of Events. 

OH! and... Mother’s Day is right around the corner!! Give Mom something fabulous and unique this year!!!

Check it out....

April 11, 2012
Buy Local Coalition Member Showcase!!!
6:30pm to 9:00pm
Wisehaven Banquet & Expo Center, 2985 East Prospect Road, York 

*There is no charge for admission thanks to the generosity of Wisehaven Banquet & Expo Center and our members. Over 50 local business will be available! Meet you local businesses and support your local economy!

April 14, 2012
Spring Vendor Event 
9:00am to 4:00pm
Parkville Fire Company, Hanover, PA
http://www.facebook.com/events/211672302267452/  

April 21, 2012
Go Green in the City
Elegantly Haunted will be showcasing reclaimed glassware. Artful and sustainable!!!
10:00am to 3:00pm
Downtown York, PA
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Downtown-York-Pa/102489659814405

April 21, 2012
Spring Fling Open House
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Manchester Township Community Building
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Township-Building/162399403803205

April 28, 2012
YARCS Craft & Vendor Show
York, PA
_________________________________________________________________



Mother’s Day is not far away!!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012


Want something special for your Mom this Mother’s Day? 
How about flowers that will not die not wilt!!!!????
Sunflowers, Daisies & More!!! Check out this beautiful bouquet!!! 

Each piece is hand painted and ONE OF A KIND!!! OH! and here is the best part!!! THEY ARE DISHWASHER SAFE!!!!! 

Don’t forget! Custom orders are always welcome!!! Contact me today and we will create something fabulous for your Mom!!!

Phone: 717-855-2490
Email: elegantlyhaunted@gmail.com 
Website: www.ElegantlyHaunted.com