A year ago today I was putting my first items on my site.
I was so nervous and sick to my stomach. I am not a timid person or usually afraid to put myself out there….but this felt different.
I didn't know what the response would be to my items. The things I had designed and made would either sell or not.
A year later I have retailers from coast to coast of the United States and I have shipped my items all over the world.
Thousands of items have been made and sold.
Countless hours have been spent creating.
I can't tell you how happy it has made me to create. If the business stopped today I have realized forever that I HAVE to create on a daily basis. I forget time when I am making something. I relax, pray, think, listen to music and open my mind up to new projects.
I have been thinking about this past year a lot this week.
How I started the business and why.
How I have tried to balance my family, homeschooling and creating.
What I have learned about myself and others through this process.
Through all of this the reoccurring theme has been FAMILY. I can't imagine going through this past year without all the people that have supported and encouraged me.
My brother will send me vintage treasures when he finds them.
My sister has blessed me by offering to paint plaques and frames when I need extra help. She always emails her friends when I have new items coming out. She is always the first to tell me what she loves about a new line.
My dad has searched through antique stores looking for vintage cigar boxes and bringing me stacks of vintage sheet music and books.
My mom has been right beside me this whole year. She has helped me from day one with so many sewing projects! Mom, I couldn't do all of this without you and your amazing help.
Thank you guys for believing in me and always supporting me. I am blessed beyond words.
The true award goes to my husband and children. My children believe I am the most talented and creative person they know:-) They are my number one fans. Everyone needs a fan club…even if they are two, six and eight. I will take what I can get!
My Kelly has lavished me with support. LAVISHED. As I look back on this past year my eyes are full of tears for this man that the Lord has blessed me with. He has helped in every way possible. He has picked up supplies, watched the children, surprised me with expensive equipment, been my mailman, set up my work space and the whole time told me how proud he is of me. Not once has he complained. He is my personal cheering section. I love you and how you love me.
I have a pretty incredible family. Their support makes this one year mark so much more rewarding.
To all my customers and friends I would like to say thank you for a wonderful first year. I have met so many amazing woman. I have been inspired and encouraged by so many of you. To thank everyone I would like to have a few giveaways.
Drum roll please….
First place will receive a $100 gift certificate from my shop and a $100 gift card from Anthropologie. I know these are your top two places to shop!
Second place will receive a $50 gift certificate from my shop.
Just leave a comment and you will be entered in the drawing. If you mention my giveaway on your blog and link back to my blog let me know and I will add your name twice.
I will pick the winners on Monday.
I am looking forward to the year to come!
Jeaanne~
Wow…this has been such an amazing year for you…and your family.
You truly are so blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful group of people. That is why you are so sweet yourself.
You are blessed but so are those around you. You are an inspiration to me. The way you find a way to balance all the things you love is a great thing to watch. I can’t wait to see what the next 365 days brings.
Thank you for being so creative. Because of you I have items in my home that bring me so much warmth in my home. YOU have helped me do that. THANK YOU!!
I am tipping my delicious cup of coffee right now..to you Jeanne~
oh yes, please count me in {i never win anything}!
Oh, and in the pics above, i wish you would have told the story on how you got your picture taken with Amy;)
Love you. Love your family. Love our friendship.
xoxoxo
here’s to another great year!
We are so happy for you to be at this benchmark in your creative venture! Congratulations on how well your business is flourishing! You create so beautifully- not just lovely items, but expressive ideas, memorable moments, and especially living, loving reationships. Thank you for giving of yourself through all you create! PS. Your dad wants to know how many cigar boxes you need:) We love you.
There is just nothing like family! They are so blessed to have you in their lives… as are all of us bloggers! Just keep on doing what you do, cause its amazing and I believe you must be doing what God has placed in your heart.
Keep up the good work Jeanne!
i see #3 revealed herself!=) what an amazing year it has been in so many ways. it was great hearing more about what has blessed you. i agree with maisy’s comment about the warmth your creations add to a home. how cool to be apart of that!
Congrats! Your work is beautiful, but most of all it is great the way it makes you feel to create. Happy anniversary.
Oh my goodness, what a great giveaway!! 🙂 How fun, Jeanne, and congratulations on your success. I am with you… I have to create in some form or another every day. If I don’t, I’m just not a nice person to be around.
I do it for me, but also because it makes me better. I wish everyone knew it was okay to be creative. 🙂
Fabulous wares in your Etsy shop! I know how exciting this adventure with your creations must be for you…such a happy time. Congrats on your milestone!
congrats on your anniversary! thank you for stopping by my blog. i love a good giveaway too! congrats on a great year! hugs
{well, i tried to leave a comment this morning but i guess i failed–it was EARLY!}
i wanted to say first and foremost, congratulations on your first year of business. i hope that i can look back next year and say that i am glad that i put myself out there and was rewarded. you are such an inspiration to me!
i also wanted to say, put me in this rhino-big drawing of yours. how exciting it is.
here is to another great year!
chasity
oh and put me in twice pretty please. i’ll have you on my blog for sure.
What an inspiring story! I love reading about people like you, real people with family and running a business. Ok this might have given me an idea to my next Featured Artist Series…
Count me in! I love everything you do…and oh my Anthropologie is on the very top of my list right now.
hi jeanne !!! as i was reading this i couldn’t help but say this is me !! we share soo much in common and I feel the same way too , we are soo lucky to have such support and get to do what we love too ! i feel so very blessed and I am so glad we got to meet this year at heathers event – can’t wait to see you again in June !! anyways , of course i would LOVE to win your giveaway – congrats and heres to another wonderful year !!!
big hugs,
Beth
Jeanne, I loved this post. Sometimes we forget to thank those who have supported us through the days, in and out…but you have just given all those people a treat with this post. congratulations on your one year of business and all the success you have acheived. Balancing all that you do daily is not easy, but you seem to do it with ease. Thanks for sharing your story. I can’t wait to see what you create in the next year to come and I also hope our “friendship” grows too…! 🙂 I will post about your giveaway on my blog tomorrow.
Cheers to another year of “goodness”!
P.S. love the photo collage above!!
congratulations on your great year! thanks for sending me your way. what a generous giveaway!
xox
B
what a precious post jeanne & i love the mosaic of the photos especially.
when i first stumbled upon you & kasey’s blog ( on the same day) i was so tickled. i love your style & your tender and fun spirit.
happy one year doing what you love!!
xo
Regarding how I got my picture with Amy Butler…some stories should stay private! Lets just say she might have a restraining order on me…just kidding…maybe not!
Congratulations on this very special day! It takes such courage and tenacity to start a business and put yourself out there. As you know I recently exhibited at the S.F. Gift Show where I was surrounded by people (mainly women) who were putting themselves out there. I was overcome with hope by the courage and tenacity these wonderful people displayed. None of us would be where we are without the support of our “family”, including those in blogland. Thank you, Jeanne, for YOUR support, for the inspiration your stories and art provide, and for paving a path for other creative, brave souls to follow. Bravo my darling! Here’s to a MAGNIFICENT 2009! XOXXOO
Way to go. Keep the success coming and don’t slow down.
Do you think Anthro has stuff in my size (in case I win)?
~ your hubby 😉
Thank you sooo much for inviting me over to your blog! I loved reading your story of your year anniversary. Congrats! I’m very happy for you! You make wonderful things!
I’ve enjoyed reading through some of your posts, too. You have a beautiful home and blog. I’ll be back again!
Oh my! Thanks for inviting me over and stopping by!!! What a great giveaway! I’m off to check out your shop!
I found your blog thru my friend Megan at Penny Carnival… can’t wait to explore and get to know you and your creations! 🙂 Happy One Year Anniversary to you!
Nissa
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog, leaving a sweet comment and inviting me over to your most incredible give-away. I would love to be included and I hope you will come back to The Vintage Nest on Saturday, 2/14/09, as I too will be having my 200th post give-away. A great big pink diamond. ~ Miles of Smiles ~ Lynn
Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I recently came upon your blog and LOVE all the fun creations in your Etsy shop. I can’t wait to start shopping!
Hi!!! Thanks for the invite!!!!
Bravo to you!!!
I’m adding you to my “Fav’s.”
Sherry
Congratulations Jeanne! You create such beautiful things, and it sounds like you have a wonderful family to support and help when needed. That truly is a blessing! I pray the next year is just (or more) wonderful for you and your business.
I will be posting this on my blog as well, with a link back.
I recently came upon your blog and enjoy visiting. I would love to be included in your give-away. Thanks for sharing!
Sandra
What a lovely blog you have…I just added you to my bloglines list so I can come back.
Take care,
Lori
I’ve only recently discovered your blog. It is lovely! I’d love to be entered in your giveaway.
Your blog looks great! Congratulations on your successful year. Thank you for all your comments on our blog, it’s always fun to see when you visit us there. Good luck on the upcoming years and keeping up with all you do.
-The Stash Girls
Hi Jeanne! Your blog is fabulous, and congrats on your anniversay! You are amazingly talented…
xoxo, Tiffany
Wow, what a great success story ..I just found your blog from “my Romantic Home”
I love all the pictures for One Year in Review and can see why you have been so successful .
Looking forward to checkin out your store and blog.
What amazes me , is that somewhere in between all of that you were able to homeschool your kids. !! Amazing !
Would love to be counted in for the draw : )
Cheers
Bre
Oh my…fabulous giveaway! You know I am a big fan! I love your creations…and so do the people I have given your creations to!!
Yay for your anniversary!!
Thanks for this opportunity! You have some amazingly beautiful items. Congratulations on such a successful first year! It’s an inspiration!!
Jenny
pearlswirl.etsy.com
pearlswirljournals.blogspot.com
What an amazing give away!
Here is a link to my blog post about your give away … I don’t have traffic though but it can’t hurt!
http://digisci-mk.blogspot.com/2009/02/about-give-away.html
Love your shop…saw it from abbys blog
Jeanne,
Congratulations on your first Anniversary. All of your fans hope you will be celebrating MANY more. 🙂 Please continue to create and inspire us! Your family IS precious!
Yay! Congratulations on your year of success. Here’s to many more!
I just think women that create their own businesses from home are absolutely inspiring. Thank you for having the courage to do what you love!
Jenni B
how exciting. both the giveaway and your year in business. you have a beautiful style jeanne and your creations are stunning. but more important than that, you are a beautiful person, inside and out. i am so luck to have become your blog friend. i am going to post about your giveaway on friday!! Congratulations!!
Wow, your stuff is beautiful! The Soap Chix sent me 🙂
oooo! A little bird told me about your blog today.
love it ~ !!
I just registered yesterday with etsy…you’ve inspired me that I did the right thing.
I did retail for 10 years… now I freelance and paint furnitue and design for another shopkeeper.
pop in, please…my first giveaway ends tonight at midnight…it could be yours!!!
Ohhh, pick me. pick me. I LOVE your stuff. It’s absolutely beautiful. I shared w/ my mom while she was here. And, I’ll post a link on my blog in the next day or two. When is the drawing? Did I miss you saying the date?
There’s no retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living so there’s no end to it.
::: Henry Moore :::
To many more successful years living your dream!
Congrats…..Shamanie Haneca
I think it is so awesome that you took a big step of faith and went for it! I can’t believe you home school and do all of this…amazing lady, really! Congrats!
Congratulations!~ Wish you were closer so you could come and teach some of your amazing works of art to ladies here in AZ-
Here is to a successful 2nd year! Thanks for checking in- we love to hear from you!
xo-Kristin from Blissful Living & Domestic Bliss
Congratulations on taking that leap one year ago and finding it a success!! Thanks for the inspiration! And I would LOVE to win!
You have done so much in a year! Congratulations!
Congratulations on your first year! may you have many, many more to come!
It’s amazing what a year can do – imagine if you had NOT taken that first step…..!!!!
Thanks for entering my 1 year giveaway and good luck to all who entered yours!!!
Congratulations! What a wonderful first year and such a great post sharing your flagship year. Here’s to many more!
Hi Jeane,
This is my first visit here (I found you through Andrea at Faded Plains). It’s just lovely here, I’m sure this won’t be my last visit. Your post touched my heart. It’s uplifting to read about your family helping you out and I always love hearing about another husband that is supportive in giving their mate the wings to fly! Life is good.
~Tracie
What a beautiful photo collage and post. I too feel blessed with having a wonderful supportive family…it makes all the difference in the world when the ones you love…love what you do. So, congratulations on your one year anniversary…and here’s to many more (as I hold up my diet coke to ya) Cheers! P.S. I also wrote a post about your giveaway on my blog.
I have just started reading your blog recently but it is really great as are your products. I too started my blog and taking a hobby (antiquing) a little more seriously. I know what you mean about putting a site and blog out there. It is very personal isn’t it? You’re doing great. kath
Congrats on great year! What a wonderful success story. I hope 2009 is another great year for you and that I win your prizes! Thanks!
I have been following you in blogland for a little while now, and I’m always inspired by the beautiful things you create! I love your style!!
-nicole
love your work! makes me so happy Kristin posted the link….lovely and perfect!
Marni
WOW, What a great giveway…I got here via Andrea from Faded Plains..I will certainly look around, I love what I seen so far..
Brenda
bvdragonlady1@aol.com
hi there:) i just found you via your friend Beth…what a wonderful and generous giveaway…it sounds like you have had a truly amazing year…you are so lucky to have such a supportive family and friends!!! i hope your next year is even better!!!
Wow – where have I been? Just found your blog and I love it and all your pretty things! and I have glasses envy from your pic in your mosaic – very hip and cute! What a generous give-a-way! Happy One Year Blogging!!
Congratulations!
One year is a huge mark!
You create beautiful things, and I’m glad that you decided to take the risk and go for it.
:o)
first time commenter here- congrats on your first year and please add me to your fabulous drawing! xo, D-ra
Happy Anniversary! You’ve accomplished so much. Your blog is lovely. Ü
What fabulous creations… such a fantastic giveaway! I wish you a ton of continued success!
did your sweet hubby leave you a comment….how cute is that…
ps–i left your link on my blog so do enter me twice…pretty please of course
🙂
xo
Have only just recently found you, and want to wish you lots of good luck in the future! What a lovely space you have here!
(((hugs)))
Okay Jeanne…. your are forcing me to emerge from me silent blog reader comfort… Your blog is like grabbing a few minutes at the spa each day. I have very much enjoyed it and you are dragging me in to this tech world with a little less kicking and screaming. In fact, I am secretly REALLY enjoying it!
-Michelle
Congrats! I just started my own shop and what an adventure. Best of luck, your items are WONDERFUL! FYI – Andrea at Faded Plains posted your giveaway on her blog, I an SO glad she did! I will be sure to post your site on my blog!
Best wishes!
Oh, my goodness! That is a good giveaway (I just read your comment on my Little Orphan Annie post). I’ll definitely be blogging about it. Thanks for letting me know! And congratulations on your first year of business. I’m with you–if I don’t create something (anything!) every day, I start to go a little nutty.
Hi I just stumbled upon your blog. Congratulations on your success! Your etsy shop is filled with great stuff. You’re very creative and talented!
Congrats to you!!!….you are an inspiration to us all…I have been following your blog and love all your adorable creations. Wishing you many many blessing in year two.
Happy Blogiversary!! Best wishes for many years of loveliness to come!
Mandy
PS- I posted your link on my blog!
loves,
Mandy
Congratulations! you are SO talented – Amy
How creative and talented you are! It was fun looking at all of your “goodies.” My wish list was growing by the second…
May the Lord continue to bless you.
Thank you for sharing!
Lauren
Such wonderful things! I hope I win!
I also mentioned your giveaway on my blog and linked back to you!
I found you through Beth Quinn!
Please count me in your drawing!!!!
I came over from The Gahan girls. Congrats on your one year anniversary. It sounds like you have been very blessed!
It’s refreshing to find such a unique blog!
i’ve linked/link you to my blog for your giveaway!
I am definitely adding your call out on my blog (on saturday when I upload cards and such)….congrats on a year of success and wishing you many many more!
What an amazing giveaway! Thanks for the chance!
Wow, you are an amazing person who creates beautiful things. And more than your beautiful things you are a beautiful person from the inside out. I love the purse and I can’t wait to put it to good use! I love reading your blog and thank you for sharing your fun and adventurous life with the rest of us.
Jules
Congratulations on your anniversary and success. What a wonderful year to look back on. I wish you much more success in the future!
Cheers
Hi Jeanne. Dawn at Gahan Girls sent me over! I love your blog and your post today brought tears to my eyes – you are so grateful.
Congratulations on your anniversary – may you have many more years in business offering your wonderful creations to the world!
I will mention your giveaway on my blog.
Congrats to you! What a generous give away in celebration for your 1 year anniversary.
I just popped in here from another blog and love your things. Love your blog and your store. I will be back.
family is the best! Thanks for hosting such a wonderful give away!
Jeanne,
I love your style. Your sweet nature and I love my new skirt, you did an awesome job 🙂
I hope to win. I have my eye on a purse from your shop.
Blessings My Sweet Friend,
Amber
Congrats on this past year! Love your products. Here’s to another successful year!!
WOW! What a giveaway! Congratulations on such awesome success!! Here is to another great year of business for you. I have a husband that also is amazing at supporting me with my business – how lucky we are!
Thanks and what a great giveaway! I checked out your etsy shop and you have wonderful itmes.
debianne
love your stuff!!!! Very inspiring
WoW!!! what a great story..it inspires me soo much,I came to you via Tara..she great! I am new to this blogging thing but Love it, just for women like you…thanks..I will post you on my site..
I just recently came across your blog from others… Congratulations on your year anniversary!! You’re right, it is scary to put yourself out there. I would love to share in some of your handmade items. 🙂 Peace*duchess*
Congrats on your anniversary. Hope there are many more successful ones to celebrate in the future.
what a marvelous year and great family you have. it is so exciting to hear these great stories. i wish you the best in the upcoming years.
deb
Congratulations on your one year anniversary and the success of your business. Your creations are beautiful.
This is such a fun giveaway!
Diane
I am adding a link to my blog right away!
Congrats on your anniversary! Here’s to many more years…
what a fun giveaway! and, how awesome to have such incredible support!!
love your stuff
Love your stuff!!!XOXO, C from AZ
My friend Megan told me about your site and I’m anxious to check it all out. Congratulations on your first year and all your success. With how gorgeous everything is I’m not surprised you’ve been successful!
~Julie
congratulations on such a lovely first year…i enjoy being able to peek through all of the wondeful things…such a great insight to yourself…thanks so much for sharing. CHEERS!
Congratulations on a BIG first year! May there be many more to come!
What a great giveaway! Your blog is lovely~I especially love your header!
This would be heaven!!!
Hello
Congratulations on your 1st anniversary. Your post was a lovely tribute, especially to your kind husband. I found you through Beth Quinn’s blog, which I found recently as well. Best of luck in the next year!
Oh my…how lovely…your blog & your etsy…I found you through le jardin girl…and how happy I am to have done so! Much joy and blessings on your successful first year!
Your sister, Amy, is a friend of mine and was very nice to give me an apron from your shop. I love it, as well as all of your creations.
I’m always happy to cheer on a Mom who makes her own path in the business world.
Keep it up!
Julie Ciezadlo
Hello, thank you for your lovely blog posts I am a lurker BUT I LOVE your style!!!
Sharon from Santa Cruz California
Please enter me in your giveaway. You have lovely things! I envy you the Etsy sales. I just can’t seem to crack that nut. Isn’t it amazing what one can do with a wonderful husband beside you. When I read your tribute to yours, I thought I was reading about mine! He is exactly the same, handling all the mundane things and allowing me to create.
God Bless you and your business :).
Kim
I love your stuff!
All of your etsy items are beautiful! I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Jackie
hi jeanne. i blogged about your giveaway!! have a great weekend.
your story is very inspiring for those of us that “create”, i have been thinking about doing somthings like this as well.
New to your site, but can’t wait to explore more! Cortney
You’re an inspiration for all of us who think of starting our own businesses but are too nervous to make that leap. Happy Anniversary! Keep creating and inspiring us all.
I’ve also mentioned you on my blog with a link to your blog. Thanks!!
Congratulations on your hard work and success! Your generousity is so kind and I am excited to enter! Congrats, again!
VB
Congrats and good luck in the coming year!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
This sounds so wonderful. I got a link to your blog here for the giveaway from beth quinn. Congrats on hitting the one year mark!
Have been following your blog thanks to a great friend Megan Bauer. So happy to read of your success! I’m starting up my own little photography business and it is not easy feat for us moms to balance our work,passion and family. Sounds like you’re doing a great job of it. Congrats.
P.S. love the song on your blog b.t.w.
I will add you to my blogs I follow : )
I found your site through Andrea of Faded Plains. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. What a wonderful success story you are!!
Thanks for the chance to win!!
Kris
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! What a wonderful year you have had. I am so glad you took that step of faith and opened your Etsy store. Your creativeness is beautiful and so are you. Here’s wishing you many more years of creative bliss. And thank you for sharing your talents.
congrats on a year!!!
What a year you have had—Congratulations! Just had to stop by for a quick visit as I read about your giveaway @ Dawn’s The Gahan Girls. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Way to go! 1st year congrads to you. Your stuff is so wonderful! pick me:)
LOri
your stuff is amazing!!! congrats on your anniversary! 🙂
Just love your work! I’m the proud owner of two of your sweet little mini journals. Thank you for offering up such a fun giveaway. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your sweets!
Jennie
Beautiful items on your site!!!Keep it up!!
Oh, count me in for sure! oh, and i will blog all about it, that will for sure send LOTS of readers your way!!
Hello Jeanne,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and you are SUCH an INSPIRATION to us!
What I want to know is if you will come work for me, and help me design some new lines of Fabric?
I will have my people contact your people.
xoxo
i am so happy for you in that you followed your dream and it became your bliss! it is even more special because of the love and support you receive on a daily basis! congrats to you…with love and wishes for a fabulous 2009~ann~marie
Congrats my friend, on a spectacular year! You are truly blessed with such a loving famiy! You are very talented and creative and I’m so fortunate to be a part of your creativity! I thank you for letting me be a part of your success and our friendship! No Amy won’t take out a restraining order on you, she knows a true fan when she sees one :)!!!
Could it be that someone you don’t even know has the power to bless and touch your heart almost to the point of a lump beginning to form in the back of your throat and tears beginning the process of tickling your nose? Yes. The answer is yes, for you have done that to me in the way you speak so endearingly of the importance of your faith, your dear Kelly, and your angels three. Thank you for your spirit, for your openess seen in your words penned so simply, yet eloquently, and in your creations obviously given to you by your God.
~Michelle, from Sundayrainflame at etsy…
Congratulations on a year filled with beauty, love, friendship and success! Your style is so fun, you blog is filled with eye candy and fresh inspiration. Thanks for all that and a chance to win such generous prizes too.
I just recently discovered your blog. Congrats on the big one year!
What a great giveaway! My friend Diane led me here. I have enjoyed looking through your blog and shop.
congrats on one year! we’re blessed to have met you @CL fair!
love k&d
This is so weird – I swear I commented on this post! Anyways, I love your reflection. Glad you joined the world of blogging as I always look forward to your posts and seeing more of your amazing style. Congrats on living your dream and for the amazing blessings you have with family and friends in your life!
xoxo
-Kari
I don’t remember if I entered yet? But I don’t see my name. I’m fairly new to your blog and now have you listed on my sidebar. Love the inspiration!
Oh no! I missed it? I came over from Glamarella Junk after reading your comment that you were having a giveaway.
Congratulations on your one year anniversary!
congrats on your success and taking the leap…sometimes that’s the hardest part. continued success
I don’t know if I am too late or not. I just found you this evening! Congratulations on your one year anniversary:)
Congratulations! I love seeing your creations.
Wow! I went looking through your archives because you inspire me so much with your creativity and braveness to step out and use your talent. Thought I might catch that braveness from your inspiration. I am amazed that you have only been selling your creations since Feb 2008. You are so talented! I just know I’m suppose to do more with my art and talent but not for sure the path yet. Did you begin with an Etsy shop?
Lee Ann