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

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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!

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

Happy Birthday! Handmade Greeting Cards...

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!!

Father's Day! Finding that perfect gift means finding the right shop!

There is nothing better than finding a unique and memorable gift for a specific occasion!! Father's Day is just that occasion, and as it may be it is around the corner.

Telling Dad how much he means to you is important!

BUT... Where can you go to find amazingly distinctive gifts.

Easy!

Start with our Etsy shop... here is the link. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantlyHaunted

Within the Elegantly Haunted Etsy shop you will find quality handmade, tastefully designed greeting cards!

Here is the best part, our greeting cards are more than just some card you grabbed while you were at your favorite Big-Box Store... You will be telling Dad that you really thought about him. When you purchase from a small local artisan, you are telling Dad that he wasn't a second thought while you bought laundry detergent. Instead you will be saying to him that he means the world to you!

The card you present to him will be frame quality and keepsake worthy! That speaks directly to the importance of your Dad in your life.

So take some time and think about your Dad. Think about all the special things he has done for you.

Visit the Elegantly Haunted Etsy shop and find your Dad something truly special for this Father's Day!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantlyHaunted

Find inspiration with Family and Friends. Creative inspiration at a bead show.

Creating from inspiration is the best way to make precious keepsakes.  Creating from passion and heart makes your item(s) irreplaceable. In the end you put more into them than you would by simply copying a design from a magazine or book. You have to make it your own.

I often get asked, “How do you come up with all these great designs?” What I do, inspires others to share with their family and friends. I offer them something gorgeous for personal satisfaction and gift-giving! This is why I do what I do, and this is why I keep myself open to a range of ideas and inspirations.

I think it is only fitting that I share my inspirations with you. Creativity is something that comes to individuals, well individually. Most of my creative bursts come from my family, nature, other artists in other mediums, and life experiences.

This card I call “You are my ROCK!” came to me at a bead show I attended with my Mother-in-Law, and her friend. I didn’t expect to find anything there to use in my art, as I deal mainly with paper and glass… Stones and glass have never gone together well as we have heard, and I was not sure how I could use beads and paper. I was very new to the card making and scrap-booking scene, I had no clue!! Regardless, I never give up a chance to hang out with my Mother-in-Law.

As we browsed the heaps of beads strung on fishing line, we came upon a table with some beautiful multifaceted stones. My Mother-in-Law picks up a strand and says to me, “What about a card, with one of these stones mounted on it and the saying, You are my rock?” I looked at her and saw the excitement in her eyes, and it clicked. That’s A GREAT IDEA!!

She had every confidence in me that I would create a card layout that would be keepsake worthy featuring this beautiful stone and a message to match. So I did. We bought several strands. I brought them home and worked on my designs. I ended up with a couple of designs I found to be very pleasing!

As I said before, inspiration comes to individuals, individually. Look for your own inspirations in the most unlikely places. When the idea clicks run with it!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151582476/you-are-my-rock-frameable-fathers-day?