Tuesday, December 29, 2015

New Year’s Hopes and Contemplations



The countdown to 2016 is upon us so like many of us, I’ve been contemplating what I want to accomplish in the coming year, and taking stock of what I’ve accomplished so far.

As I ruminate on this, I’ve decided I need to figure out what my idea of success is, if it’s still the same or has it evolved? When I first started selling, my idea of success was to sell enough to reinvest in more gemstones and tools. That evolved into creating a more consistent sales pattern. Which evolved into defining and developing a cohesive line that allowed me to play with different skill sets and price lines. In these regards I have been very successful. I’ve set and met my goals, exceeding in some areas and refining what still needs work.

Since opening the “doors” at Amazon’s Handmade Marketplace, I’ve been deliberating on my ideas of success and have decided it may just be time to set the bar a little higher. I like Amazon, a lot. I like the business lay out, I like how straight forward things are, I like how it makes sense to me, I like how it even makes Etsy clearer for me. I believe Amazon will help make me a better seller on Etsy and I look forward to the coming year on both selling platforms. I truly believe this is going to be a very good year!

As far as resolutions go, I generally set goals and map out plans for them all year long re-evaluating as necessary and adjusting accordingly. Where last year was about photos and tags, this year will be about book keeping and inventory, exciting isn’t it? 

I lost my inventory data when my desk top died and I started rebuilding it some time ago but that stalled out. I just recently lost a decent sale when I didn’t have the inventory on hand to complete it. That hurt, I need to know what materials I have on hand and reorder when low so that doesn’t happen again.

Book keeping is boring but I constantly have a stack of receipts to file and that just needs to be addressed, I used to be on top of these things. Part of that is just not really liking the software I have and the resulting procrastination. I need to just get over it OR find new software, I’m leaning towards new software.

Other than that it’s just building a cohesive shop on Amazon and keeping a decent balance of items in my range. As well as developing a nice clean look in Etsy so both market places have similar looks. This should also streamline my photo process for me which is a bonus really.

As I read over this I’d have to say I have a recurring theme for my goals this year.  I’d say the word of the year is Efficiency.

Efficient: adjective: working in a well-organized and competent way
: organized, methodical, systematic, logical, orderly, businesslike, streamlined, productive, effective, cost-effective, labor-saving. ANTONYMS disorganized.

hahaha yes I am a Virgo why do you ask?!  Yes, I did just reorganize my pantry…… and cupboards……umm no I’m not a neat freak, the dust bunnies would thank you not to put that particular idea in my head lol  I just like things where I can find them easily so I can make a mess with them! Including numbers, because lets face it - taxes and inventory need to be seen at a glance and the less work it takes the better.

I do have other goals as well but they revolve around family and the house. I’ll probably share those later in the year as things get done. Knock wood  😊


What say you? Any wonderfully wild plans for your year? Fun things or serious? Goals Hopes Dreams Ambitions? Share them here if you're so inclined.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : Week 6, Gifts in a Jar

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : The Hand Crafted Kitchen
Week 6 Cookies and Gifts in a Jar


Christmas is this week! What better time to roll out gifts a jar and cookies than the week you might need some quick last minute gifts!

I have a board on Pinterest dedicated to simple cookie recipes and decorating - though mostly decorating. Like most of us I already have my favorite recipes tucked away in my kitchen and have just recently started gathering my favorites from around the web as a traveling recipe box for my kids.

Snowman Cookies, Simple Circles BIG on Cuteness Factor
Like these cute snowmen, you can make these in a flash using your own sugar cookie recipe (or  buy a tube of dough) Whip up some royal frosting and decorate to your hearts content!  If you prefer a different cookie you'll find the Snowmen come from a recipe for gingerbread on Bakerella.

Gifts in a jar have gotten really diverse in past years as more and more people have enjoyed this simple gift that is big on taste and heart.  From cookies, quick breads and soups to mulling spices and custom tea blends the ideas are limited only to your imagination.

Cookies in a Jar
Spiced Tea in a Jar Recipe

































The cookie in a jar recipe and the spiced tea recipe can be found on my Hand Made Kitchen Board on Pinterest along with many others as well as some more great ideas I didn't share here or you can click above and go to them directly.

I do hope you've enjoyed this years series! I know I have enjoyed bringing it to you. Christmas is this weekend and I do hope you are surrounded with people you love and who contribute to your happiness and create feelings of being loved and cherished in return. No matter what religion you practice I believe that sense of love and well being is integral to what we are celebrating this time of year. I wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!






Week 6 Jars and Gifts in a Jar  Merry Christmas!



Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Hand Crafted Holidays: of Rolling Pins and Pastry Cloths

The Hand Crafted Kitchen
Week 5 Rolling Pins and Pastry Cloths

I’ll be the first to admit my rolling pin is just a basic wooden spinner with handles. Until I started looking at the hand turned pins I really had no idea how many styles there were. To top it off the kiddo and I have been watching The Great British Baking Show on Netflix and the variety of pins they use is kind of amazing to someone who’s only ever used a spinner.


Just look at how many styles Cattail Woodworks has. I LOVE this store on
Etsy. Do yourself a favor and visit, just gorgeous functional artwork!


This mornings e-mail  from King Arthur Flour had Springerle molds and rolling pins. Springerle is a type of German biscuit with an embossed design made by pressing a mold onto rolled dough. The key to using them is allowing the impression to dry a little before baking, as that preserves the detail of the pattern. Etsy has had several rolling pins with gorgeous designs that have been featured in the newsletters recently.

Housemate Artist on Etsy
AlgisCrafts on Etsy
Another thing we watched them use on the show was a pastry cloth. Now, I’ve used a cloth to cover my dough while rising but I had no idea how many uses those have as well. I’ve found a few for you and the instructions to make your own if you’re so inclined. I kind of think I might need a real one now. In fact I think I’m going to go rummage through that box of antique and vintage linens to see if I don’t already have one. I sure know where to find one, if there isn’t!

FarmGirlCreations on Etsy
QuiverTreeBaking on Etsy

Why YOU Want one Too! and the Instructions on how to
make your own on Make it & Love it


This weeks blog post was an educational one for me, I love when that happens! Since I do enjoy baking a thing or two that’s a double bonus.

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!






Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : Week 4 Mixing Bowls


The Hand Crafted Kitchen

As you know, my daughter is a ceramicist and she has made several bowls for me that I use in the kitchen on a regular basis. There is nothing quite like a hand thrown bowl to mix in, you just know anything made in a hand thrown bowl is made with love. 

A hand thrown mixing bowl is just heavy enough to bring back all sorts of memories of helping Grandma in the kitchen, whether taste testing, measuring ingredients, or as head stirrer of the bowl. That solid bowl is a keeper of some of our best memories.

So I have poked around Etsy and Amazon to bring you just a few of my favorites today.

MagPie Approved: HandMade Holiday; Mixing Bowls
Leslie Freeman Designs on Etsy
Magpie Approved- Handmade Kitchen - Mixing Bowls
Gentlemanly Pursuits on Etsy
Magpie Approved- Handmade Kitchen - Mixing Bowls
Jan Fairhurst Pottery on Etsy





MagPie Approved- Handmade Kitchen - Mixing Bowls
Paige Hickey Pottery on Amazon


I hope you make many new happy memories with them as well.


The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Hand Crafted Kitchen: Week 3

Week 3: Wooden Mixing Spoons and helpful accessories

The official countdown has begun!  Christmas is in just four weeks.

This year I’m focusing the series in the kitchen, and today we’re talking spoons and wooden push pulls.

My oldest has moved out again and is refurnishing her kitchen. She found some spoons on Pinterest that she loved and hinted I should buy them for her. After doing a little hunting on Etsy I found some really beautiful spoons anyone would be happy to receive.

 
Gorgeous Burned Spoon from Portugal  ArtisIgnis on Etsy









California Walnut At Kitchen Carvings on Etsy



























Hand Carved from Italy The Wooden Caravan on Etsy
Fun Spoons at Sue Made That on Etsy













































While looking around I also found this amazing little gadget I didn’t even know I needed, but man do I want one! This little guy pushes and pulls the hot rack in the oven, no more burns! I’m all for that!

Walnut Push/Pull from Wooden It Be Nice on Etsy
I don't know where this thing has been hiding all my life but I really really want one! I also kinda want some of these spoons!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Hand Crafted Kitchen: Week 2 Aprons

The countdown to the holidays has begun! Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas follows (as usual lol) just four weeks behind.

This year I’m focusing the series in the kitchen. What says kitchen more than the Apron?
It doesn’t matter if the kitchen is indoors or out, an apron means business!

MagPie Approved: My Grandma's Hand Embroidered Apron
Hand Embroidered, My Grandmas Apron


I received a most wonderful gift from my Aunt (Dad’s sister) recently. She sent some wonderful old family photos of my grandparents, aunts and uncles and some of the grandkids (my cousins, me included) But she also included my Grandmas apron. Pristinely white with hand embroidered flowers. Tucked in with the apron were hand tatted lace edged hankies and pillow cases my Grandma had made. Lace making amazes me, it isn’t something I ever picked up. Makes me wish I had.  

Once upon a time all of our kitchens were hand made!

As much as I LOVE my Grandmas apron I would be heart broken if I stained it or tore it somehow. Off to Pinterest to find the apron patterns! I am forever dropping beads and jump rings in my studio. That means umpteen hours on my knees with a flashlight hunting down the little um buggers under the armoire and dressers i use for storage. An apron might could catch those runaway items before they could ever hit the floor!

My kiddo as you know is a potter, she needs one that covers front and back - muddy hands!

I have two patterns tucked away on my boards that fit our needs beautifully.
They can be found here: on my  Pinterest Board







If you don’t sew or just don’t have the time this year, I took a few minutes to poke around and found some wonderful Handmade Aprons available for purchase.


Etsy

MagPie Approved: HandMade Holiday Week 2 Aprons
Bonnies Sew Crazy on Etsy



MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
Misses Country on Etsy
MagPie Approved: HandMade Holiday Week 2 Aprons
Linen Sky on Etsy


























and on Handmade @ Amazon 


MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
Victoria Eggs on HandMade @Amazon
MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
HardMill on Handmade @Amazon
























Oh my I LOVE this apron, perfect for my studio! It’s a bit out of my budget for right now, so I’ll have to save my pennies and wait on it a little bit. 

In the meantime I’m pulling out the sewing machine…….just as soon as I find some suitable material. I haven’t quite decided, duck cloth or ticking or just a heavy cotton…… decisions decisions!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!





Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : The Hand Crafted Kitchen

MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios, Woven Ribbon Heart
A Little bit of a Woven Ribbon Heart

If home is where the heart is, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and hand crafted is heart crafted, it just makes sense that this years Hand Crafted Holiday series be a Hand Crafted Kitchen.

The countdown to the holidays has begun! Thanksgiving is in just three short weeks and Christmas follows (as usual lol) just four weeks behind.

This year I’m starting the series off with Hand Crafted Vanilla Extract. It may seem a bit early but  vanilla extract takes several weeks to make and I wanted to give you ample time should you choose to make it yourself.


If like me you love the smell and taste of real vanilla extract, you can imagine just how deliciously good a made with love batch tastes. We have a family member who makes it every year and mmmmm it’s good!

In the spirit of the holiday season I thought I’d share that home made goodness with you. 
I’ve found recipes and kits, bottling supplies, labels and ways to decorate your bottles so that they’re as unique as you are! And I’ve also found a wonderful new shop on Etsy that sells A Beautifully packaged extract that has been aged for an entire year. 


I found a recipe at Tidy Mom that looked super simple to follow: http://tidymom.net/2012/recipe-for-vanilla/

and another here: http://theimprovkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/12/worth-extra-step.html  and this one also includes Vanilla Sugar, imagine that on some Cinnamon toast, or Cinnamon Rolls! mmmhmmm 

I just got this e-mail from King Arthur Flour with a kit so you don't have to hunt down vanilla beans:


and another kit on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/254560165/

If you prefer to use the recipes above and source the beans yourself, I've found some fun bottles for your finished product:

MagPie Approved: Pinterest find Apothecary Jar Supplies
Apothecary Jars
Available HERE

MagPie Approved: Etsy find Apothecary Jar Supplies
Brown Glass Jars
on Etsy




























You could use the really pretty labels provided with the recipe above but I also found some really Great DIY labels over at http://www.thebudgetdecorator.com/diy-label-projects-and-free-printables/   you might like to try.

MagPie Approved: Pinterst find  DIY  Labels
DIY Labels found on
Budget Decorator
MagPie Approved: Pinterst find  DIY  Labels
DIY Labels found on
Budget Decorator

































I poked around on Pinterest some more and found some great tutorials on decorating those bottles:

Step by Step Photo Tutorial
found on this BLOG

Bottles Etched Using Martha Stewart Doily Stencils
































If after all of this, you'd prefer to purchase your Artisan Vanilla rather than make it I found a cute little shop on Etsy with some wonderfully packaged Vanilla.


Wind Dancer Studios: Etsy Find Artisan Vanilla
Artisan Vanilla Found on Etsy
HERE

LOVE this vintage Vanilla signage found on Etsy
HERE
While I don't have any extract in my shop I do have some Smokey Quartz 
= Jewelry with gorgeous rich and smooth vanilla extract coloring =

MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios Smokey Quartz Earrings
Found in my Etsy
HERE
MagPie Approved: Wind Dancer Studios, Smokey Quartz Earrings
Found in my Etsy
HERE





https://img1.etsystatic.com/039/0/5717654/il_570xN.625303869_guig.jpg
Found in my Etsy
HERE

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 

SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen


Thanks for stoppin by!
We'll See ya Next Week!