Sink? OR Swim? North of a Long Blogging Hiatus

It has been some time since last Blog Post.

I'll be honest, I have been wrapped up in learning new artistic mediums, techniques, and styles... and well... LIFE!! 

Time simply got away from me.

In my time away, I have also directed a great deal of attention toward my Social Media Marketing, networking, my website, and Etsy shop. It is easy to become overwhelmed in all the daily responsibilities of managing multiple platforms. I quickly have learned that I am only one person and I can only do so much! This does not stop me from trying to do it all. 

The good news is that I'm doing all of my marketing, research, development, and running my business with as little cost as possible. I have learned so much. Some days I feel my brain will overflow with all the tech and info I aquire. 

Being a Small Creative Business Owner and Operator is not easy. Many days feel daunting and others seem downright impossible. The great thing is that it’s all up to me! The process of growing my own Handmade Business is only as tough as I make it. Hope and the shining light of progress both come in unexpected packages!

Things got far more difficult when Carpal Tunnel set in. I’m right handed and I am now having issues with holding paint brushes and painting fine lines for extended periods of time. There are many things I can no longer do that are part of my core business. But like I said… progress comes in unexpected packages.

When you are faced with adversity you have two choices - Sink or Swim... I choose to swim. As a creative person I know, as long as I have the will, there is a way!

I refuse to give in to what is perceived as a limitation or disability. I have been advised that surgery may not help me, so I am seeking alternative therapies and methods of dealing with my wrist issue. Some days are better than others...

I have a vibrant mind and a deep need to create. So I will do what (I think) any determined-creative woman would do... Punt and go with my other creative skills. 

There are plenty of mediums out there that will serve both my customer's needs and my own. Not to forget, I have been asked to host classes to share my small business/marketing knowledge as well as my knowledge in other areas like seasonal family cooking. 

Without further ado, here is a sneak peek at what I'm now creating… 

 

Handmade Paper Rose Fascinators for your hair

Handmade paper made into roses on a headband. Simply GORGEOUS to wear!

Stemmed handmade paper Vintage style rose (I'm excitedly working on bouquets for gifts and weddings in many varieties.)

Yes, I have been exploring the paper medium for some time now and I am in love with it. There are so many possibilities and ways to create using mixed media. I am creating using paper, paint, wire, canvas, and much more!

I will offer some of my hand painted glass for a little while longer, but I expect I will dissolve most of the glass items by the end of the year.  Yes, I will be keeping the Faerie Houses. These little guys are simply too adorable to give up!

 

Faerie House Candle Holder

I know this is a good direction to move toward. I am also planning to Vlog the preparation of how I create many of my items so you can see them come together. If you are like me watching handmade items come together is completely intriguing!

I will create items you can wear, place in your home, give as gifts, and appreciate for a long time to come. I don't mean to hold you in anticipation, but these things take time... If I am quiet for a while, be assured I am creating & learning!!!

If you don't already, please follow me on your favorite social media site. Also leave your comments below. Let me know what you would like to see moving forward!

Also check out my website and Etsy shop to get your limited edition glass items... while you still can!

CHEERS!

Brandy

Find me here!

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

A Harvest Lunch Under the Changing Leaves

Autumn is my favorite time of year next to spring. I love the changing leaves and the fresh flavors, from food, to brews, and of course wine. Although, I feel like I can do without summer, the bounty that comes from the heat and sun is very much desirable.

Today, I must have been eager to hang out under our maple tree. I decided to have a little outdoor lunch under its changing leaves. This tree is the perfect sitting spot to entertain and relax. We hang lanterns and other decorations from its bows creating a generously tranquil atmosphere.

It always amazes me how we can create this quiet spot when we live in a city-like home. We have neighbors on either side of us as we share property lines and a very busy main street one block over. So being able to create a soothing spot with plenty of plants and trees is important to me.

I tossed together some items we had (in our fridge and the garden) to make this delicious homemade pizza. I made a large batch of pizza dough a few days ago and this was the perfect opportunity to use the remaining dough. I roasted pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes from our garden to create a divine spread.  

This roasted peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli pizza is topped with a mix of goat and cheddar cheese. If you have never tried it I high recommend it. You will be pleasantly surprised.

The harvest of peppers and tomatoes came from yesterday’s garden activities. My daughter’s favorite chore is to pick the ripe fruits and vegetables form our raised garden beds. She brought in so many items I knew we should use them right away. So I roasted them in a very hot oven for a few minutes. What we don’t use today will be placed in the freezer for later.

This is a perfect way to treat friends to a fall themed lunch. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and share a fabulous harvest pizza in your favorite natural spot!

I hope you enjoy autumn before it goes.

 There are many wonderful flavors to sample and outdoor spots to rest

Taking the Handmade Pledge!

Every year around this time, I renew my pledge to buy handmade items from local and somewhat local artisans.

As an Artisan, I understand how important it is to buy from small individually owned and operated businesses. In the past 50 years or so we have made a habit (as a whole) of buying from big “box” stores selling mass produced items. We are now seeing the issues this buying mindset brings to our communities.

By supporting these large stores who buy their products from countries that condone low wages for their workers and a sever lack of human rights... we are encouraging the mistreatment of our economy and the people in these countries. When we buy from the companies who support this mindset we are contributing to the problems.

          “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

--Albert Einstein

In addition, we are no longer supporting our economy when we choose cheap mass produced items form big box stores. When we spend our money on items that are not made here, we are supporting another country’s economy.

We hear time and again that we need to support small locally owned and operated businesses in order to create strong local economies. Only this will build local economies strong enough to weather the dips and hurricanes caused by outside influences. So why don’t we do this?

I have heard the excuses. “It’s too expensive?” I can’t find anyone in my area.” And so on…

It is easier than you think.

On average for every $100.00 spent in our local economy $73.00 of those dollars remains in the community. Compare that to $100.00 spent at a box store, only $43.00 remain in the community.

Shifting only 10% of your buying habits would generate MILLIONS of dollars for our parks, schools, roads, and more. You can make a huge impact by switching your habits just a little.

That's only $10 out of every $100 you spend each week. I am sure out of all the spending you do each week/month; you can carve out $10.00 of every $100.00 you spend for a local artisan.

Take baby steps.  You may know realize how much of difference you can make, but you habits and actions matter a great deal . 

Need more incentive?

Here are the top 10 reasons you want to buy local.

Top Ten reasons to Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local

1.    Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.(Click here to see summaries of a variety of economic impact studies; these include case studies showing that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.)

2.    Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

3.    Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.  “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

4.    Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5.    Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

6.    Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. 

7.    Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

8.    Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

9.    Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.  A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

10.  Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

Source: http://sustainableconnections.org/

So don't delay! Take the handmade pledge and support your community! Get to know your local artisans and the treasures they have in store for you!

Click here to take the pledge!

How to Stay Cool and Stylish When the Heat and Humidity is Rising...

How do we stay cool today???

I thought of this because at 9am the temperature was already at 86 degrees, with what feels like 100% humidity. I tried to take the dog for our usual walk at Lake Redman, but could not do it. 

Lola and I were miserable. The heat was bad enough, and then the bugs were... well... buggin'. 

I think Lola drank half a bowl of water before we got in the car to come home. 

So in light of all this heat, here are my tips for staying cool.

1. Locate your favorite glass.
2. Make yourself an ICE COLD beverage!! Maybe something fruity... yummmm....
3. If you can, get into the air conditioning... DUH right? If you can't then find a nice fan or a cool place and plop yourself down. 
4. DON'T MOVE! 

Yep I think that just about covers it. 

WOOT! I have my favorite glass and a delicious fruity Peach Iced Tea. 

As always, I love to shop local so I stopped at Brown's Orchards and Farm Market today to get some fresh fruit. Brown's has some gorgeous peaches that are beautifully ripe. 

I bought the large box of peaches so I could make this fabulous tea and have left overs. Tomorrow I will share my remaining peaches with the Teen Battle Chef group at Spoutwood Farm on our last day of this year's summer camp. 

I'm ready for the heat!!! Oh wait... I need another tea...

Stay cool out there!

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!

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!!

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!!!

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