When I was just starting out I was so blessed by many women that had gone before me and they gave me their knowledge so willingly and openly.
When I would come across someone that didn't want to share information ( I am not talking about a trade secret ..just basic information) I promised myself that when I had knowledge and experience that I would share if freely…..and I hope you feel that way with me.
To show my appreciation for the creative life I have the honor of living I wanted to do something to not only bless you…but to support and encourage those of you with a small business, just starting a business and those of you in the planning stages.
I thought it would be fun to pay it forward.
I would love for ANY of you that have a business (or you are starting a business) to enter this giveaway.
I would like you to leave a comment on THIS post telling us in a few sentences what you sell/make etc. Please also leave us the link to your blog and especially you website/Etsy site.
Five of you will be randomly chosen and I will do a post on each of you. I will interview you and show all my readers what you make/sell.
One of the five will then be randomly chosen to win the following prize.
The lucky winner 🙂 will receive Kelly Rae Robert's E-course Flying Lessons.
This is the best resource I have ever read with business suggestions and sources.
This is a wonderful resource for the person wanting to start a business, just beginning or even someone that has been selling their wares for awhile.
I love Kelly Rae's story and I know that her words will resonate with so many of you!
I would also like to give away one of her iphone covers.
One of her ladies.
One of her autographed datebooks for 2011.
I can not wait to hear about your businesses and to share your dreams on my blog.
If you feel like blogging about this and spreading the word that would be amazing too!
I just want us to encourage each other as women…we can be so incredible!!
Comments on this post will close on November 7 at midnight.
HI!! I am Brenda, an artist. That’s probably been the hardest thing for me to say and mean but I finally do. I teach art for K-8 and love my job but am a happier person when I can create my own art. My artwork is mixed media using acrylics–love my paint! Color is my passion. It is my way of expressing myself and it brings people in. The hardest part of my creative life is promoting myself and pricing. I would love any advice you could give. My blog is http://www.itsacreativejourney.blogspot.com/ and my etsy shop is: http://www.enjoyjourney.etsy.com Thanks for your blog. I love it. Especially France!
This is so nice of you…when I first began blogging I was a bit nervous to leave a comment but you have always been kind enough to post a comment back.
I make altered books, journals, and love to work with paper and recycling scraps into fun pieces. I also make little girls apron skirts. elisa-hernandez.blogspot.com my etsy shop is elisahernandez.etsy.com.
Have a blessed day.
Jeanne your sweet heart is just precious! There is room for all of us..right? I am opening my shop later this week and have no idea what I’m doing. So much that I just decided to create all the lovlies my mind, heart and hands could spit out and see what happens. I named my shop Ragamuffin Beauites, because really aren’t we all?
Hi Jeanne, My name is Sharon Simons and I love to create. I started out painting ceramics nine years ago and now I find myself painting any and everything. I have no business sense and I too am uncomfortable with pricing etc. My blog is http://www.glazedfromtheheart.blogspot.com and my website is http://www.glazedfromtheheart.com. Thank you for this opportunity to win some exposure and “flying lessons!”
http://www.glazedfromtheheart.com
http://www.glazedfromtheheart.blogspot.com
What a great idea! Generosity is a quality one can’t fake.
Ok, so, I’m Champagne Maker (aquired, not given)…I make a bunch of stuff (jewelry, knits, paintings) and I post most of it here: http://champagnemaker.blogspot.com
I mostly knit and write knitting patterns and post them here: http://stitchpoet.blogspot.com
I was loading up my computer with a g’zillion pics and killing my memory so decided to start saving them and passing it on to my friends here: http://crushparty.blogspot.com and http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com and in the process have “met” the nicest people online in the blogosphere. My dream is to attend one of these big meet and greets and meet them all. I am so inspired every day by the talent I’ve discovered on the internet. It’s my favorite thing to do!
Thanks again for this little game and your fab blog and sharing it all!!!
Jeanne, you’re wonderful! What an amazing idea 🙂
Well, I’m Natasha Burns, I paint, sew, and make “stuff”. I live in Australia and I love that it doesn’t matter that I’m half a world away from some of my closest friends… who I have met through blogging, and some, in real life!
My blog is http://www.natashaburns.blogspot.com and my etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatashaBurns – I’m currently in the process of transfering my creations from my dot com site over to my etsy.
My dreams…well I have to say, I’m a very fortunate person in that I get to live my dream. With the exception of desiring our home to be renovated (and that time will come soon enough), I’m content in life, love and art. A licencing deal would be awesome, but I’m content and happy with my life, friends and art, and I think that’s a really great place to be!
xo
I have to business or wares to share but I wanted to jump in and applaud you for doing this Jeanne. There is nothing better than paying it forward. I think I will do something today ~ thanks for the inspiration.
I meant to say I have NO business or wares to share!
Hi Jeanne,
I own a drapery studio. I make and install window treatments, bedding, pillows, you name it! I love working with people- helping them feather their nests to make their homes as personal and unique as they are.
http://www.wrenfeathers.blogspot.com
http://www.leefrewcustomdraperystudio.com
Thanks for this opportunity–
Lee
Hi Jeanne,
Your soul is so kind, I knew it the day I found you in blogland. Your blog is inspirational and I agree whole heartedly that we need to share as artists and business women. We are all on this earth together and it is so wonderful to be able to pay it forward.
You have already done this in so many ways and I thank you for this opportunity on this post.
I am an artist that likes to create “smiles” I like to illustrate charming images. These illustrations will sometimes lead to other forms like gift cards, christmas ornaments, & sculptures to name just a few. I also like to sew, crochet, bake and create in so many other ways that feed my creative soul. The joy that I find when I create is indescribable and it brings even more joy when someone else finds it when viewing my pieces.
http://www.staceyyacula.etsy.com
http://www.staceyyacula.blogspot.com
Thank you again for sharing so much!
Wow ! First of all let me say thank you! I feel the way. One of my problems with having a small business is I love to inspire and you can’t sell that, well maybe in a book and that is the dream, to have a book of my creations. I have a small cozy business called “Scraptherapy” I have been an artist of sorts all of my life in and out of different crafts from Scrapbooking as a child to teaching it as an adult. I am more of an altered artist in the scrapbooking area. I used to have a business called Junkin Jewelry back 25 years ago so incorporating junk into scrapbooking has been for me just a other way to do this form! I also am a faux finisher, I love vintage and love to create vintage! I love to bring people out of the boxes to feel free to realize there are no rules, they are the artist! Jodylynn
Hi there! I do photography and handbound journals. my etsy store is http://www.robynsart.etsy.com my blog is http://www.robynsart.blogspot.com
My ultimate dream is to be a travel photographer, an empowerer of artists, and support myself with the two plus my journal sales. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Jeanne, great post.. wonderful! I would love to grow my business… as you know I’m a writer that’s my first passion, a card designer second, and now.. delving into mixed media. I honestly would just love love to sell more of my handmade cards.. I so believe in sending REAL MAIL these days despite all that technology that is around us, you know?
My dream is to have an active etsy shoppe, right now I am using free ewillow.com simply because I don’t hv the funds to pay for the postings on etsy. For me, our finances just aren’t there for us to even pay for an etsy listing. 🙁
Also — I want to get to working/finishing my book/memoir/self help it’s about 2/3 finished, over 50K words
with about another 20K to go.
I’d like the help to promote both my book and my handmade cards and art!
And I also have a great idea for a CAS CARD DESIGN BOOK I’d love to author.. I just need the wings to get there!
Hugs to you. this is so great!
bonnierose
ewillow shoppe: http://bonniessentiments.ewillow.com
blog: http://alifeunrehearsed2.blogspot.com
flickr gallery: http://flickr.com/photos/bonnieroseippity
This is just one of the reasons I love you SO much. 🙂
PS – Did I totally just goof everything up by commenting when I don’t have a business?
Sheesh. Now I’ve goofed it up twice.
What an amazing opportunity!
I’m Leah. I’m just venturing into starting my own creative business in next few months, and I’m seriously excited to be taking this step! I’m an avid scrapbooker, and hope to take my teaching skills on the road, as well as sell hand knit, and sewn goods in my etsy shop. I have lots of interests and skills, so one of my main focuses right now has been to *narrow* my focus and choose a place to start! lol
And I agree with you – I’m grateful to several women who have been willing to offer advice for starting up…
Blog: http://amusing-to-create.blogspot.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluebirdchic
Well, I’m not really a business, though you know I need marketing tips for my upcoming books! I think artists and etsy shop owners and creative souls like us are all in the same boat in terms of getting our “stuff” out there. 🙂
So, I’m not sure if that counts since I have no shop and no website…just my blog, but I DO consider writing my business…and some days it’s a HARD one…other days the best thing in the world!!
What a fun idea, Jeanne! 🙂
How sweet of you Jeanne!! I have been lusting after Kelly’s products for a bit now. I wish she made skins for Blackberry’s!!
I have a line of little girl’s clothing called Little Lotti Clothing. I really strive to keep it simple and sweet. I want to capture the innocence and imagination that is so pure in children. I have a website but I update my Etsy shop more often,
http://www.littlelotticlothing.etsy.com
I am only adding sporadically right now as I give more time and focus to my 1st passion, photography. I am working towards a business in portrait photography as well as stills and books for my own photography shop. I add my latest shots to my Flickr and also my blog
http://www.brandiepahl.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlelottirose
Here’s to dreams!!!!!
A friend took the Flying Lessons and it’s been on my to-do list ever since!!
I wear so many hats, I hardly know where to begin… I currently own and operate Crop and Cruise where I plan and host scrapbooking and photography cruises and land events in hot tropical locations… but I’m sensing a call to something completely different… I yearn to have my life make a bigger difference so I’m searching for direction right now.
I’m terribly excited about the possibilities and believe that answers can come from any/all places (including blog giveaways!!). Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Allison Orthner
http://www.CropandCruise.com
http://www.AllisonOrthner.blogspot.com
Everyone can leave comments I will just put the business comments into the drawing:-)
To: jeanneoli@hotmail.com
Hi there! First of all, your music makes me happy 🙂 Second, I <3 Kelly Rae - I followed her blog as she welcomed her new little one and Isn't she is such an inspiration!? & Thirdly, I'm Sami Jo, my husband and I have two little boys - we are scetching up the very early steps of how to start our own Vegetable Delivery Business. Now, you may be thinking there is nothing creative about Vegetable Delivery BUT my husband and I are delving into this project with several "creative" ideas to make our business attractive by many which would includes an amazing blog with added stories, recipes (to help with those rootabaga months *wink*) and also included in our blog would be features about the Farmers and where the veggies come from and then there is the boxes the veggies would be delivered in (they must be fabulous) and the monthly "surprises" I would tuck into our members boxes depending on the season - be it flower seeds (spring), chestnuts (fall), fresh herbs (summer) and so on and so forth. This would not only be exciting to our members but also introduce other local business thus encouraging local business growth. Encouraging local business purchasing and healthy eating is part of our mission which, in time would expand community relationships. Our ultimate dream is to have our own farm, with an on-site, and then (my dream) is to have my own boutique there too - with refurbished furniture, home decor, and all those goodies that make my heart soar AND encourage reuse, redeuce, recycle. We have a LONG way to go but all business start with a dream... so we are dreaming... and brainstorming. 🙂 Thank you for this opportunity (and honestly, by just writing it out - sure gets me excited and reassures me that this is definately what we should do! So thanks for that.) <3
Thank you very much.
My name is Beth Baker and I love to create, design, and decorate “stuff”. I make headbands, necklaces, belts and other various items out of soda and beer bottlecaps. I also make hair clips out of soda pop cans and purses out of license plates and duct tape. I do a little bit of soldered jewelry also.
Thanks for your generosity. I am the founder of VirtueRadioNetwork.com, an Internet radio network and community for contemporary Christian women. We offer numerous online crafts how-to video tutorials, including CROPPED! (scrapbooking/paper crafting) and Rick Rack: Thread Therapy for Sewers (sewing). Rick Rack has a wonderful online class coming on November 15. Register now at http://www.virtueradionetwork.com/rickrack.htm. The 25th person to register will receive 4 yards of Michael Miller fabric.
Thanks for the opportunity to share with your readers.
Dear Jeanne,
it’s such a great way for you to begin pay it forward, because that is exactly what you should do FIRST to make everything falls into their own places. :))
I start record my scrapbooking, art journal and some paintings on my blog here :
http ://rnirwana.blogspot.com
and just recently I add my handmade stuff to the new web of mine :
http://www.rianirwana.com
The system for payment haven’t even been connect yet! *sigh. So I do need lots and lots informations, tips, and else on how to do this online selling things.
And you know what,
I have been dreaming about all those Kelly Rae’s stuff, my idol, especially her 2011 datebook, which I want to order from the first time she released it, but since I live so far away here in Indonesia, they can’t send it to my country. You can imagine how broken hearted I was to hear the news.
Anyway, I crossed my fingers and pray, may your kind heart always be the source of your gratefulness in all you do.
Have a very nice day, dear.
What a generous chance to win such a great prize. It is wonderful to read all the posts and see everyone’s work. I have always loved to make stuff – I love all that is paper, fabric, beads, vintage and the list goes on. It truly feeds my soul to be able to create. I always have a dream in the back of my head that I could actually do this full time and make a living at it. Ahhhh to quit my unfulfilling day job that pays the bills and to be part of a community that lives a life of creativity. What a wonderful world that will be. With paper I enjoy making greeting cards, I scrapbook for the sheer joy of doing it with some awesome girlfriends. I enjoy making banners with fabric and paper. There are so many new fabrics to choose from and also some really awesome vintage fabrics from repurposed clothes to curtains. I have struggled to find the next step after opening my Etsy shop. I am a huge fan of Kelly Rae and have coveted her e-book series for a few months (as tough as times are, It isn’t a good time for me to be able to purchase it – it is so on my wishlist)
Here is a link to my Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoeMade
Thank you again for paying it forward – What a big heart you have. And thanks for taking a peek into the world of Moe Made !!!
Maureen
This is so awesome,and You’re so awesome and so right many people don’t like to share. I run into this all of the time. I have tried to get together with local photographers and chat how they started their business, share my ideas,just inspire each other. But it’s hard most people don’t want to chat, maybe they think I am trying to take their business or something. I have a photography business and I have Etsy store where I sell vintage goodies and am hoping to sell prints on there one day.
I love Kelly Rae she’s awesome, and I love her new house !
dreaming of her datebook.
Blog: http://mchphotography.blogspot.com/
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/onelovephoto8
Thanks!!!
Love this post Jeanne. What a wonderful wonderful idea.
About my shop…I create paper and glass pendants and keychains with inspirational sayings. I also paint mixed media pieces and custom home paintings using acrylic paints and paper. Keeping my fingers crossed on this one:)
Here are my links:
http://farmgirlpaints.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmgirlpaints
Jeanne, this is so nice of you to do. I do believe that those whom share with others are blessed. I have experienced a few people whom don’t even return the favor of even responding when you compliment them after making a purchase whereas your shop and your blog are very, very personable. I am amazed at your work, the way you present your items is so pretty I keep the tags and flowers on my items for decor! I make bags and aprons so far and have many other ideas in the works, I am a new etsy shop owner, have been open for 4 weeks today!!! http://www.shantygirl.etsy.com and my blog is http://www.theshantygirl.blogspot.com I started using patterns for bags but very quickly was inspired to create my own designs for women that all have a very vintage feel. I have spent so much time setting up shop, painting and decorating studio and having a massive yard sale to fund the room that I have been drawing designs and now am free to create! I just posted the reveal of my home studio and I featured an item I purchased from you, that was before I read this and before I recieved the additional purchases I made from you. I hope you take a peek!! I wish there were more women whom become successful who mentor others as I feel that is true success not being jealous or afraid, being a leader!
Thanks
Sherry
How sweet are you! I am just starting a business called “ScrapWood”. I am combining wood and papercrafting products into one. My hope is to turn it into a kit club. I am working on a website and a blog, so for now I’ve just been advertising it on my personal blog and word of mouth. My blog is http://www.bitsandbriefs.blogspot.com. Thanks so much for your offer.
Jeanne,
What a great idea!
Pangaswimwear.com
After my childhood friend was diagnosed with melanoma I knew it was time to change my habits, especially out in the sun. After many hours of searching for that “perfect” suit I had in my head, I decided I would design it and manufacture it. This idea has now grown into Panga Designs. We are approaching our one year anniversary and am proud to say we have swimsuits in stores from Beverly Hills to New York city.
Hi Jeanne,
It is I, your slightly neurotic reader. My name is Kelsee and I am in the planning stage of starting a business. I have really been trying to narrow down my products that I want to sell, the prices, my marketing ect. I have decided to do News Boy style hats for women and children. I have made a few, given them to close friends to try out and I have gotten some great feedback. I also am thinking about making vintage looking signs, just need to figure out a way to make mine stand out from the many others out there. I am in desperate need of any advice on how to go about this and make it enjoyable instead of a curse, like some other ventures I have taken on.
I currently only have a small craft blog, but I am working on making it bigger and better. http://pumpkinpiecrafts.blogspot.com/
Please oh please, let me win!!!!!
Thanks again for all your wonderful help and inspiration!
Hi Jeanne,
This post is awesome…made a comment, but it somehow went poof…so here we go again…
I have most of my papercrafting on my blog and this post was just the push I needed to make the final steps to put my Etsy shop out there…(nothing in it yet, but I’m making progress)…
http://positive-force.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/arlsmom?ref=pr_profile
Thank you so much for sharing…you are a blessing!! XXOO
Lynda
What a huge heart for such a tiny woman!
I love the pay it forward concept in everything…I do what I can when ever I can.
Sewing is my main craft since I was six. I love to sew anything and everything, especially quilts. I cant seem to get in on the selling thing for some reason. I had an etsy shop for 2 or so years and never sold anything, except to my sister, dont think that counts. I finally closed it and put my stuff on a link to my facebook page. It is listed under Just Like Nannies…Quilts, Crafts Etc. At least people can see what I do.
I also love painting, beading, and just any craft in general. I am pretty sure I have tried it all, except knitting.
And I am planning a large 3’x6′ mixed media collage for my sister. We will see how that turns out.
Love you BG sister! Thanks for all you do!
What a great giveaway!!! I am a mixed media artist and sell my art on Ebay, on Etsy, privately and in galleries. My blog address is http://www.KarenCannon.blogspot.com and I would love for you to stop by sometime! I’m so glad that I found your blog!!!
Be good to yourself..
Thanks so much. I am preparing to open an etsy store and I am eager to glean from those who have gone before me! Kelly Rae Roberts has been such a source of inspiration-as an artist and a business woman!
oh dear jeanne girl! you are absolutely amazing, and such an inspiration to me…this opportunity brought tears to my eyes…
i *adore* kelly rae roberts and own her taking flight inspiration and techniques to give your creative spirit wings..it is amazing!
i am the humble prairie girl behind the blog http://www.fadedprairie.blogspot.com and also run the etsy shop http://www.fadedprairie.etsy.com i specialize in vintage, industrial and rustic farm goods… goods that whisper What Once Was and share their stories of old…
*thank you* SO much for this opportunity!
prairie hugs,
kristin
this is the most beautiful fashion blog i’ve ever come across! thank you for your inspiration. what a great idea to look for shirts in the children’s department. yellow + polka dots = a very shiny day!
Hi Jeanne,
This is so wonderful of you – to share your wisdom, heart and experience with us! I am balancing, precariously at that, between my full time job and my full time love – scrapbooking. I have recently started my own etsy shop, http://www.tiffanyscrapbooks.com and my blog, scrapbookingmyboys.blogspot.com. I love scrapbooking and the beautiful art you can create, but more importantly the message it tells for you and the future. I am so grateful for the chance to learn from you, and others, who have made your own success. I think the thing I love most about this craft is the gift of teaching – sharing my passion for scrapbooking and inspiring others to create their own treasures is what I adore. I am so looking forward to a chance to learn more from you! Thank you!
Hi Jeanne,
I must start with saying Thank you. Starting my own business has been so challenging, with time, family, and work, I would absolutely love to hear your tips for creating a successful business. I love scrapbooking, and decided it was time to make the leap and created my own etsy shop,
http://www.tiffanyscrapbooks.com
I must say it’s a lot harder than I imagined and I remain precariously perched between my full time job and my full time passion. At last, I do what I can and hope that someday soon I will break through! I also love to share my passion with others, and so have begun a blog as well, sharing my adventures of raising two boys and making the most of all those beautiful embellishments. I’d love your feedback – and welcome any comments and tips! I would love to know how long it takes to really get things going. Scrapbooking and all things related is my passion, but there is only so much time in the day – how does one make the leap from ‘hobby’ to ‘living’? That is the question, then, isn’t it….although I suppose it’s about risk and making the leap. Perhaps it’s about people, like yourself, paying it forward and giving others, like myself and these other women here, a chance at their dreams. And with that – thank you, Jeanne. I really admire all that you’re doing!
I have been running my business, Evermore Organics, since 2004. I’d love to know what others are doing to become successful! This business pays for my college tuition so that my parents don’t have to. I’m doing well but I’ve come to a point where I badly need a boost!
you are such a sweet sweet spirit. I am so amazed at how generous as women we can be and when we actually try to help eachother a teeny teeny bit goes such a long way. the smallest gesture makes such a difference!
You know what I do. right? 🙂 I would love a post from you but I know there are so many wonderful people that you will have to choose from.
I am trying to grown Charity Wings and my main focus is getting the word out about what we do. We are a free resource for creative minds and not enough people know we are here for them!
http://www.charitywings.org
and I do have a blog 🙂
http://www.thetravelingprincess.blogspot.com
going to post on FB right now. hugs!!
one day, I am going to be blessed by happening to be at the same creative event as you!! but until then, I am satisfied to always learn more about you through your blog, thank you. Your heart shines.
I am a florist. My husband and I own a floral shop that encompasses an antique and home decor store and coffeehouse. I lay awake dreaming of creative ideas that I hope to have the time to produce and in my spare time, I eat and breathe design. I have a blog that when I have moments, I share favorite things I come across with my friends, and soon, I will have a website added to it to share the fun finds we have in the shop.
http://bloomstudio.wordpress.com/
Now I am going to go check out the other amazing peoples that have posted. 🙂
This is such a great idea and if I had blogged any in the last “forever” it just might work on my blog…I have a feeling there would be an echo right now!
Anyway, my name is Angela Meeks and I love to create anything using OLD paper. Right now I am frantically making wreaths that my hubby designed and paper mache dress forms. My business name is Miss Molly Cottage and etsy site is http://www.missmollycottage.etsy.com. I have just sold everything out of the shop which was wonderful(17 forms in one day) but now I feel a little overwhelmed to fill the shop and keep up with Christmas shows. I would love for everyone to visit my shop and go to sold items and tell me what you think. Thank you so much for doing this…can’t wait to read everyone’s comments.
love,
angela
Every day may be a new day, let’s have deep clean breath primary, and be in very good mood and thank you a lot to your weblog I seriously loved studying this posting.
Where do I start? I am a dental hygienist by day, secret crafter by night. I went into my chosen career because it was practical, I could support myself and not be dependant on someone else, and my parents told me even though I was a talented artist, that I could’nt make a living at it. What I never knew was that putting my artistic endeavors on the backburner would lock away a part of me i really needed to be whole. Two years before my son was born I took a space in a local shop to sell refurbished furniture and all things retro/vintage. I got a bit of my spark back and had a wonderful time until the economy forced closure.
Last year all I told everyone was that I did’nt want birthday or Christmas gifts, I wanted donations to attend Art and Soul. That week lit me on fire again. I made a New Years resolution in the middle of May! I was going to journal weekly and get started in the business again after December. I decided to look into Etsy and have been very encouraged by others in our local community. I just need some help because I am not the most computer savvy. I am learning and the giveaway sounds like the great push I need.
Technically I like to think of my creations as lifestyle art. From furniture, to jewelry, I like to refurbish things I find at Estate sales and thrift stores to make them wonderful or different than their original purpose. I don’t have a blog yet other than Facebook and again no store yet but I want both desperately and plan on opening each in Jan. if I can help it. Jeanne you are an inspiration to me every day and even if I don’t win I am grateful to be able to read your thoughts every day. (Did I mention sometimes I am long winded?)
Thanks so much,
Pam White
if you’re getting this comment twice, i’m sorry…but i think my first one is lost in cyberspace somewhere.
OK…let me just say, i could get all teary reading this because it is SO SO timely for me! I JUST opened my etsy shop (like oct. 15th i listed my 1st item). this was HUGE for me…i’ve struggled for a long time feeling “good enough” to put myself out there…
I love creating of all kinds…sewing, painting, paper crafts, whatever! right now i have burlap banners, wood letters, aprons, and journals, and photo frames in my shop.
what an AWESOME opportunity you’re giving us indie biz girls!! thank you so much for this 🙂 one question i would have for you is how to BALANCE it all…i know you’re a homeschool mom like i am and it’s been a little tricky finding a balance. your input would be much appreciated 🙂
my sites are:
http://www.alicia-lafamille.blogspot.com
and
http://www.lafamilleathome.etsy.com
thanks again! you are the coolest!!
{alicia}
This is so sweet of you and so generous. I always gets so impresed by the generousity in the blogging world. How amazing is that.
I´m Tina and I create Shabby Chic and vintage inspired decorations and more besides my handmade little bears – collectibles for grownups.
http://www.tinybeardk.etsy.com
http://www.tinybear-dk.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for this opportunity
~ Tina
~*~*I just wanted to let you know I did a post on my blog today about my beautiful bag I purchased from you! Thanks so very much Jeanne!! I LOVE it!! Hugs,Rachel~*~*~
Jeanne
This by far exceeds the norm for most people (what a terrific thing to do). I am a fellow “Coloradoan” and have been in the thinking stages for a few years of opening a small store to sell gift wares and home décor. I can’t seem to find the capital for that so in the last few months (after being laid off from my job due to the unexpected injuries from 2 car accidents) I have decided to take my shop virtual. I am very nervous about it. Putting the money up front to make sure the site looks good is only half the battle. I don’t even know where to start with the marketing part of it.
My site will be a mix of reclaimed, vintage, antique, home crafted and purchased wares. It should be ready to go in a couple of weeks…porterplacecottage.com. My blog is porterplacecottage.blogspot.com (I haven’t been in this wonderful world of blogland that long, but love it)!
Sorry for being so long winded…I love, love, love your blog. Thanks for being a great inspiration to many of us (it’s so great that your inspiration is in many forms, art, photography, family and health).
Terrie
Hi, what a lovely idea. Do you have a link to the Flying Lessons Blog please? Jules x
What a generous givaway and a wonderful way to pay it forward.
For years I have dreamed of owning a small but elegant gift shop in my tiny rural hometown. I checked out books about running a business fromt the library, joined a forum (Bliss Guild) geared to helping womeon of all stages of their bliss, and read blogs about other women who started a business of their own. One of the pieces of advice I read was on the subjet of gathering inventory to fill the shop. The suggestion was to make everything you could to keep costs down, and use that money to build inventory. I took this to heart, and began my journey of making jewelry. Life sometimes gets in the way of dreams, and here I am years later with no shop, but happily beading away. I’ve been a stringer for three years and just recently began dabbling in wirework and cold connections.
Tucked away in my heart is that dream of owning a shop, but the economy has nearly killed our tiny little town. Patience…..
Hi there, First I want to say that since I came upon your site, I listen to your wonderful music all the time. Thank you! Love your blog and I love Kelly Rae’s creations. I create all kinds of mixed media and really grungy dolls…this is what really makes me happy. It’s great to read what other women are inspired to create as well. Thank you once again! Sandi
What a beautiful idea – I’m continually amazed at the generosity of the ladies in blogland! Learning from Kelly Rae would be a dream come true. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
I’m Kim and I started a little website retail business called poppies about 6 months ago. Every day is a learning process. I also opened a small Etsy shop and feel honored to have my homemade goods amongst those of such talented artists.
poppies offers simple goods for cottage inspired living – upcycled feed sack pillows, unbleached cotton dish towels, fun garden accessories, french-style market baskets for the farmer’s market, as well as super soft bamboo wraps for comfort and warmth as we enter this crisp fall season. We love the art of gift giving and provide beautiful handmade gift tags and hand dyed ribbon. poppies is a labor of love.
poppies can be found here: http://www.vintagepoppies.com
and here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintagePoppiesShop
Geeeeezzz you are just to sweet with this whole giveaway – thank you for the opportunity! Thank you for so openly sharing your stories, your success – you are a true inspiration….
My name is Stacey – I am trying to live a life I love by designing one of a kind artisan jewelry and creating bath and body products?!?! 🙂
I blog here: http://currychaos.blogspot.com/ and here: http://starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com/ and sell here: http://www.starhitchedwagon.com/ and here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/starhitchedwagon
Good luck to everyone – I can’t wait to check out what everyone has to offer!!! I wish you all nothing but success!! Thanks again Jeanne!!
Hi Jeanne my name is Shelly Jack and I am new to blogging and etsy. Thank you so much for the opportunity of help, this comes at the perfect time for me. I came across your blog in the Artful Blogging magazine, it was the first issue I had ever seen. I now have two. Your products are wonderful and what you share on your blog is encouraging. Like you, I too am a mom and a wife. I love photography, art, sewing, traveling and my family. I have been to Paris three times, Australia, Spain, and even lived in Munich Germany for a short while. I have been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom for most of my kids life, and have had to work a few years as well during a divorce. At this time in my life, I find I am once again having to reinvent myself. It’s exciting and challenging and a bit overwhelming at times. My boys are 17 and 19 years old, and my step daughter is 18. The oldest two are in college and soon my son will be joining the National Guard. My youngest is a senior in high school and soon off to college in TN. We will be relocating to Nashville, TN from Detroit and this is part of the reason for wanting to start a blog. I have been sewing and crafting for over twenty years as a hobby. I have also done a few craft shows and have had many custom orders. My work includes everything from handbags, aprons, baby and childrens clothes and costumes, to reupholstering furniture and pillows etc. Everyone is always asking me when I’m going to get my stuff up on etsy. It seems like a great idea in theory, but I have so much going on with getting ready to relocate, getting my son ready for college and my husbands new job in Nashville, there isn’t much time (energy) left for me to dive into this. But the desire is there. I am a good seamstress, I am not so good at marketing and getting started. I need to follow this passion of mine. Especially when we move away from everything and everyone I know. I have been researching blogging and marketing and etsy for a few months now and am excited, but I simply have “analysis paralysis”. My etsy site is started but I do not have my merchandise posted yet. I recently purchased my new Cannon camera….which I LOVE….and have to get shots and descriptions of everything. I’m not sure about shipping, taxes, packaging etc. There is so much to learn. As far as the blogging goes, I haven’t had much luck with that other than comments on other sites and my facebook. I was considering taking a course on getting started.
This is a long comment, but there is so much to tell and learn! Any and all help, advise, prayer etc is greatly appreciated. I really enjoy reading other blogs and look forward to being able to share my story and goods with others. Thank you again for all your sharing and this opportunity for help.
Shelly Jack
This is so, so wonderful! How sweet for you to pay it forward. I am often surprised by people not wanting to share information… but also pleasantly surprised by those more than willing to share their knowledge.
My name is Jennifer. I am a mixed media artist. I sell originals and prints of my inspirational art.
My blog… http://www.studiojru.com/
My shop… http://www.artfire.com/users/StudioJRU
what a great, fun idea, jeanne! kelly rae’s things are sooo cool. several will be very blessed by this sweet giveaway, and i really look forward to reading the interviews.
Hello Jeanne. What an awesome thing you are doing! My name is Mary. I am a budding artist, poet, crafter. I make cards, scrapbooks, bookmarks and other papercraft items. I love to paint and am trying my hand at mixed media art projects. I try to incorporate my poetry into all my work. I recently read Taking Flight and fell in love with Kelly’s talent and spirit. I also sell Stampin’ Up products. My blog is http://poeticstampertoo.blogspot.com/ My website is http://stampin_poetic.stampinup.net. My blog and business are new. I sure could use the help. Thank you for the opportunity. Mary
Well, I am just beginning this journey of creativity.. I have been dabbling in some jewelry making and will add some other art pieces as time permits. I am in the planning/beginning phases where courage must be taken each day like a cup of coffee. 😉
Hoping for a beautiful beginning and a joyfilled journey.
🙂
Laura
momyofeight@yahoo.com
Wow Jeanne! What a sweet and generous post. That just warms my heart. While being a lead fiskateer and working full time in law enforcement . . . I have started to sell my work. I’ve organized a boutique coming up and will be selling some of the goods seen here . . . (see the birdcages, tags, mirrors among other things I’ll be selling). The other gals are selling the jewelry and books. http://www.fiskateers.com/blog/2010/11/03/a-sneak-peek-at-the-fiskateer-christmas-boutique/
Anyhow, I hope to open my own etsy store in the future and plan on starting to do more boutiques and artist faires. I’d be open to many a tips and encouragement. Thank you for the sweet chance and for your sweet heart! I sure miss you, your laugh and smile!
Thank you for doing this Jeanne, for those of us who dream of having their own business someday. I will be sure to read all the comments!
Thank you for this opportunity!!
I own JJ Boutique. I make boutique style hair accessories. I started making only children’s items, but then expanded, out of customer demand, to make adult accessories. I use fabric flowers, both purchased and hand made. I also love to hand place Swarovski crystals on the flower petals for gorgeous flare.
JJ Boutique is 1 1/2 yrs old. I sell locally in a spa/salon. My products are offered online through a children’s boutique (www.bornfabulousboutique.com) and I am in the process of opening an Etsy store (a dream of mine).
I don’t know what more to say, I hope I have given all the correct info.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for this exciting opportunity.
J,
way to pay it forward, lady. i’m so glad i’ve met you. and that night at the dinner table in france, you and alexis really made me feel i could do anything. it definitely gave me a new lease of excitement on all that i DO want to do.
so, the card business is zooming along (i actually woke up, checked my emails, had a new order from a new shop, then went right to your blog) and i’m thinking about the next etsy shop to open so my goods can be available to everyone. and i just taught my first adult craft class on saturday! what a thrill! thanks, j, beauty is as beauty does.
This book looks beautiful!!
I have a little jewelry business called The Rusted Chain. 🙂 http://TheRustedChain.bigcartel.com
I blogged about the giveaway here:
http://blissguild.blogspot.com/2010/11/totally-random.html
I always enjoy reading (and listening) to your blog. I would love to enter into the drawing but not for me; I would love to enter for my new DIL, a wonderful part of the family who happened to be the girl next door! I taught her how to quilt when she was in high school. Now she designs and makes wonderful purses and designs baby quilts too! She just started up an Etsy spot. http://www.etsy.com/shop/jraedesigns
Her name is Jill and she calls her business J. Rae Designs. Her blog is: http://jraedesigns.blogspot.com/
Her dream is to be able to quit her job teaching art and digital camera and be a SAHM soon!
She could use some helpful information- so thanks for a chance to win the giveaway and for paying it forward.
Paying it forward is such an amazing thing to do! I’m glad to see this, and hope others will read this and realize it’s so incredibly appreciated when people give of themselves to help a person starting out.
Thank you!
Hello Jeanne,
I’m just getting my toes wet trying to get some stuff together to start a business… I have two little girls (one is just new – 5 months old), and when my four-year-old was born, I found I just wanted to MAKE things for her! I began sewing clothing again (my Mom taught me when I was little) and a little dream about having a business making clothing for children started growing… I’m a teacher (kindergarten is my dream age…) in my ‘real life’ and it has been challenging to figure out how to get this business thing going… mostly finding the time! Now I’m on maternity leave and am trying to spend time each day sewing and getting my head around starting a business. I don’t have anything ready to sell yet (I’ve been making things for my friends’ children as gifts), but I’ve almost finished my first design and am hoping to get something ready to list on etsy in the next month or so.
I feel like I’m just sort of splashing around with this, but it’s fun and I’m slowly getting it together. Thanks for the opportunity to chat about it, and I love the idea of paying it forward! If I ever get to that point, I want to be able to help others, too!
Hello Jeanne! Thank you for this opportunity! My business is making aprons and handbags using vintage materials and new. My blog is:
http://www.artandsew.blogspot.com
and my etsy site is:
http://www.artandsew.etsy.com
The etsy site had some technical snafus and so for now, there are just a few aprons on:
http://www.suzenlk.etsy.com
Things will begin shifting over soon. It’s hard to get things started and having a helping hand is wonderful! XOXO Suzen
Jeanne, how sweet of you. I love this about you. You are the real deal. This doesn’t really apply to me as I am still in the planning and dreaming stage but I have decided that my 40th year (I turn 40 on Dec 20th)will be the year I finally start a creative business after dreaming about since I was a teenager. I’ve reserved my etsy shop name and I’m busy making notes and plans. You are the first person I’ve told! I love how real it makes it. Also I love that I feel like I could tell you. You inspire me girl!
i would love any bit of help, tips, encouragement, whatever. i’m currently re-launching my business and in the meantime, i’ve created a bit of a mess. i am a painter, but i also have a line of handbags, cozies and posies. i blog at:
http://applesinwonderland.blogspot.com/ where i spill everything going on in my head and heart.
Hi Jeanne!
What a wonderful gift your are giving away.
I am an Artist & have wanted to take Kelly Rae’s e-course but my budget right now wouldn’t allow it.
I have taken a year off to fully recover from kidney removal surgery in Oct. 2009….so 2011 is going to be BIGGER & BETTER for Dale Anne Potter (me) : http://daleannepotter.com
Love it. I love this idea of sharing and women helping other women in their business and creative ventures.
In the photography industry we call it netmaking. 😉
What a lovely giveaway! I already have Kelly Rae’s ebook (and it is AMAZING!) but the other prizes are so sweet!
I’m Lesley Denford, and I make collage art with words and quotes that make my heart happy. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to move forward with my art and take the leap to making it my “job” instead of just a hobby, and I’ve been working on totally revamping my website to re-launch in the new year. But in the meantime, you can find my art here…
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lesleydenford
http://www.lesleydenford.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesleydenfordportfolio/
Much love,
Lesley.
What a wonderful encouragement and gift you are giving and indeed you have already given it just with your attitude and demeanor! My name is Kari and I’m a mixed media artist. Just starting out and have just recently opened my Etsy shop. I had my very first sale last week! I have been bumbling my way through the business and marketing stuff and would LOVE some help be it thru book or person!! Thanks for the opportunity.
http://karidesi.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/karidesi
wow!! First of all, your inspiration is contagious!! I absolutely love your blog, music, and photography!! Thanks, Jeanne for making a commitment to continue to inspire the creative life! I feel it every time I pop by here!!
I am Sally with Sally’s Angelworks, and my mission is also to inspire hope through my handmade items. On the artistic side, I create mini-quilts with embroidered quotes, scriptures, whatever is inspiring me at the moment! On the practical side, I also do quilted things to help make my customers’ lives more comfortable…ie, camera strap covers, stuffies, little tote bags, aprons…fun stuff that inspires me to create!! 🙂
Thanks soo much for this opportunity, Jeanne!! I know the blessings you receive from this will be a hundredfold!! happy creating!
ohhhh…and i forgot to post my links!! oops!
sally’s angelworks – http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com
http://cellomom.etsy.com
WOW what a kind and generous person you are. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful opportunity.
My name is Janelle and I am a pattern designer in the Patchwork industry. For me, stitching is like breathing, so to share what I love is a true blessing. I am passionate about providing a product that is personal, professional, easy to follow and value for money, so this is what I strive for in my day to day running of my business. I work from home so that I can still take care of my children in the best way that I can. To see a little more about me and my business, please take a look at http://www.thejanellewindcollection.typepad.com
Again, I thank you for passing on this fantastic opportunity, I have been looking at Kelly Rae’s ecourse for a while now and wishing I could afford to do it.
Thank you SO much,
x Janelle
Wow. How VERY Generous and AWESOME of you! I bought Kelly’s book and was surprised that it was much more than an art book, but offers a lot of inspiration and encouragement! I’m a newbie mixed-media artist (2 months now)with my blog here: http://www.mypurejoy.blogspot.com and I have a humble Etsy shop: http://www.littlelordmars.etsy.com
Thank you for this opportunity! ~Joyce
Kelly has been an amazing inspiration to me. About a year ago, I discovered blogging and etsy while I was trying to figure out how to start selling my ketubot (Jewish Wedding contracts) on my own. I can’t remember how I came upon Kelly Rae, but I was immediately impressed with her writing and her beautiful artwork. She is one example that makes you feel like it is possible. It is nearly a year later, but I have opened my shop and I am having some success doing what I love. Along the way I have been encouraged by so many people that I can’t even start to name them. Together we can accomplish so much more than on our own.
This is just the coolest giveaway ever! Thanks so much for giving us all this opportunity.
You can see my ketubot and patterned paintings at http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com
Wow, wonderful post, and I have admired your blog for a while. My name is Faith, I am an artist living and working in Brooklyn, New York with my husband and two young children. I sell prints and cards of my paintings, and small originals, on Etsy in my shop Leaves and Feathers, I have a blog of the same name where I talk about my life and what inspires me. I also sell my prints at shops in Brooklyn and show my original paintings here in New York at Swallow Gallery. What a wonderful idea to so generously give this exposure to other artists and to just grow this amazing online community even more! xo
My sentiments exactly, I am such a sharer of information and love creating a community around what one knows. I am a creator of all things crafty but mainly for myself at this stage. But what I do do is to create a platform for artists to show their amazing wares to people who may not necessarily normally come across it. I am helping people one step at a time discover the world of handmade. I followed my dream of starting an artists market in my city earlier this year. It has grown from 25 stalls to 80 for the pre Xmas event. I am excited, my stallholders are excited and the shoppers are thrilled to be buying something unique and meaningful. The business has been a huge leap of faith for me and I still have a lot to learn. I am also a blogger and that has been a leap of faith as well.I have followed Kelly Rae for years and just had a beautiful package of gorgeous things arrive here in Australia via a friend. My LOVE girlie and my laptop skin inspire me each day.
My blog is http://www.piccadillymarket.blogspot.com
Stop by and say Hi
Thank you for the opportunity.
Hi I’m Ellen, and I am an artist. It took me a long time to be able to say that, but now I can.
It’s hard for me to think back to where it all started for me as I have been creating since a small child, but my mother was an artist as were all of her family that she herself probably never met who were left behind in Norway.
My mother passed away when I was 7 months old so I never really knew her. It wasn’t until many years later that I found out about her talent and that of her family. I really want to make this business work for me and my family. I was laid off one year ago, due to the economy and I feel this is the best time for me to follow my passion and do this for ME too.
I am currently selling my mixed media artwork on my portfolio website at http:www.mesart.com/ebelshin and I also have a blog at http://www.bohemianchicart.blogspot.com Thank you so much for allowing all of us beginning, creative business newbies to catch a chance for success. Good luck to everyone!
Hi Jeanne
Art has been a huge part of my life since I was a child. Just recently I’ve jumped into the blog and etsy world. It’s all so new to me but I love the affirmation from all directions there. I follow in the footsteps of so many but most appreciatively behind my baby sister who is 11 years younger in age but much older and wiser in promoting and selling her art. I started playing with mixed medium collage paintings in March of this year and love what is happening with color and shapes on my canvases.
Jeanne….I love the pay it forward message. Wonderful!!
Blessings,
Laura
Well, I just finished Kelly’s book Taking Flight this summer & have gotten back into painting. My grandmother taught me to paing when I was in college & with a husband & 3 children, it seemed like a luxury I didn’t have time for. Now I’m getting back into it & would love to open an etsy shop once I have inventory ready. I’m rather nervous about it & frankly afraid no one would shop! And while I’m doing it for me, I would also love to share it with others & build a small biz. Thanks for the opportunity!
What and exciting giveaway!! I am a mixed media artist who is just launching my business. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading the joy!
http://curliegirlieart.blogspot.com/
I cannot express how wonderful this would be for me. Thanks for doing this and giving me an opportunity to win Kelly’s ebook!
I am a collage artist. I don’t sell my work, as it is really personal and revolves around me as a mother. I have been published four times now, and I am currently teaching collage workshops and working on more pieces to submit this next year. I am interested in making pieces for people and that is another goal for the next year.
My blog is actually just a family blog, but I do post some pieces on it. By January, I will have an art and photography blog up and running. So excited.
So glad to find this blog now also. Can’t wait to dive on in!
Wow what a great gift to other creative people! Thank you! I so wanted to take Kelly Rae’s course but just couldn’t afford it as I quit my full-time teaching job. She has been such as inspiration to me as I read her first book over a year ago. Painting and doing collage makes me feel so full of joy. She encouraged me to start my esty site as well: wwww.JillsDream.etsy.com.
I also started a blog myself but not sure how to get people to start following. It is called This Moment and the link is:
http://jill-lambert.blogspot.com/
Thanks! Jill
Hi, I think this is awesome! I am an artist. I had an etsy store a few years ago but closed it down due to some very negative people hacking into my accounts. I was also very distraught over seeing my designs being sold by others. I have recently quit my job to focus on getting an art teaching position and today I started painting again, and have so much inspiration. I am hoping by January to begin doing local art shows again and reopen my etsy store. I am super excited to start this new journey! I think what you are doing is awesome and inspirational in itself! you rock!
http://0ncemorewithfeeling.blogspot.com/
Jeanne, you are a rare sweetheart. This is a generous and exeptional thing you are doing. Thanks so much for sharing and showing support and encouragement to all of us here in blogland, who are trying to make it as artists and creative souls.xo
My name is Shelagh and I live in Nova Scotia. I am a painter and photographer.
Blog- http://www.AliceinParisLovesArtandTea
Shop- http://www.AliceinPAris.etsy.com
i actually took kelly’s ecourse and i was so inspired that it actually helped me to go ahead w/ my dream of making my jewelry available to the public. fearless. that was my word of the year. awesome. i would love so much to win this, what a reward that would be! i now sell my hand stamped jewelry on etsy! yay!!!
Wow! What an exciting and inspiring giveaway! Thank you!
I do scrap for hire (s4H) cusom photo cards, digital scrapbooks etc. My website needs work but it is http://www.memorystardust.com — I’ve wanted to make this business go so I could stay at home and work and be available for my three kids — but I need a more regular income. Part of me wishes I could still make this work…I was so intrigued by Kelly’s class listing but couldn’t afford it… But she is always so inspirational! She’s my go-to for gifts for my sister. Now I’m learning more about you! Woo Hoo!
Thanks for the opportunity and for encouraging small businesses that focus on creativity!
Jeanne, thank you so much a fun opportunity. I don’t sell anything, but I do have a blog that is reflecting my new creative journey. Oh, and I
This is a such a wonderful idea- and will bless so many people!
A few months ago, my mum and I started a business called Quixotic RIE. Being lovers of life, laughter, and literature, we wanted a name that represented who we are as people. We create home decor (mostly hand-painted wooden signs so far) and fashion accessories.
We blog at quixoticrie.blogspot.com and sell our items at http://www.etsy.com/shop/QuixoticRie
Thank you for using what you have to bless, honor and encourage others.
Oh this is so wonderful! Thank you.
I’m Lisa. I’m a mixed media painter and mama of two little love bugs (Audrey 2, and Jack 6 months). I stay at home with them during the day, which I love completely, and at night (and during their naptime) I work at my dining room table to create my paintings. My works are colorful and bright and all include hopeful words or quotes. I’m in the final stages of starting my business, beginning with the opening of my Etsy shop (exciting!!) coming up on the 15th of this month. I’m starting out with original paintings and hope to add prints when I have the money to the buy gear to make prints.
I would be so thrilled to be a winner!
Lisa Gonzalez
http://happymamasjournal.blogspot.com
opening soon at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyMamaArtworks
Hi there, I’m one of the many voices here, and one of those who express what’s in the heart regularly, be it mixed media, polymer clay mosaics, knitting, jewelry. Art is part of who I am, but there’s so much more that fires the expression of who I am–healing, meditation, Nature, bright colors to name a few. Without the spiritual side, art has no soul, and it’s easy to discern the difference.
Thank you for offering this!
My blog: http://greeneearthoriginals.blogspot.com
My etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mariagreene
Hi Jeanne! Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity!
Today I just re-started my little business of selling pretty little handmade purses which I left in vacation mode for quite some time as I was preparing for my wedding. Now that I’m married, it is perfect time for me to start this little business again!
My Etsy shop, Little Prettlings, is officially launched on 21 September 2009, selling items exquisitely handmade by myself. Please visit my shop at http://littleprettlings.etsy.com/ .
Wow! Thanks for this great opportunity to win some Kelly Rae goodies! The e-book has been on my ‘wish list’ for quite awhile.
I’ve been creating pretty much my entire life, but of course, the medium has changed over the years. I’ve worked at my craft part-time and full-time, even owning a brick-n-mortar store for awhile. I have big dreams for my business but the ‘how to’ tends to bog me down just when I want to expand! I know the Flying Lessons e-book would give me an awesome push!
My business is called A Picket Fence Life. I sell mini scrapbooks in my Etsy shop….and LOVE to do custom orders. It’s so rewarding to make personalized scrapbooks that my customers can use to record the special moments of their lives.
My etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/apicketfencelife
and my blog is http://apicketfencelife2.blogspot.com
Thanks again!
Judy
Hi everyone!!! This is so sweet…thank you for paying it forward. My name is Kelli, and I am a starving artist on the central gulf coast. You can see all of my pages, including a lot of my artwork, by visiting my personal website at http://www.ugottafriend.com
A percentage of all sales benefit charity.
God bless,
Kelli
Dearest sweet Jeanne, this is really wonderful and you are soo amazing. Thanks for your generosity!
My name is jacqueline and i’m a crafter ~ very much into crafts, designs and creations. I make items that makes me smile and warms my heart. My hope is to keep feelings and relationship warm in a form of art. Thanks so much for this wonderful opporutnity.
Blog : http://www.jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/
Shop : http://www.Jqline.etsy.com
Have a lovely merry happy weekend! Love to you and yours!
Dear Jeanne, thank you for being one of those people that pay it forward 🙂 I can say that Kelly’s e-course was the best and choc-full of info and the best way to meet other like-hearted individuals. I never ever regretted taking this course, it was amazing! I did not though get to purchase the e-course pdf file for lack of funds 🙁 I’d love to be written about, and most love Kelly’s stuff as I think they are gorgeous!
I am an artist, and ever since attending Kelly’s course, have started to spread my wings and fly. I create mixed-media artwork and very customized wedding albums (everything is hand-drawn, scanned and then put together digitally) – so each of my clients has a beautiful one of a kind album.
My blog is http://sassyindy.blogspot.com
My website is: http://www.theindyplayground.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theindyplayground
Hi,
I found your blog via Kelly Rae Robert´s tweet and I really like it. I am a writer who is working on becoming a book artist as well (learning book bimding and book design). No homepage / etsy store yet as I am still in the learning and devellopment stage, experimenting with various kinds of printmaking, too.
I´d love to win the package so I get inspiration and tipps for my nexts steps. Thank you for your generosity.
what a generous offer. I am a mixed media artist. Love using vintage photo’s, paper, rusty “stuff” and paint- all combined on wood-
http://www.nalasmom.blogspot is my blog and etsy is linked to there, although i believe things are about to expire and it’s getting to be time to “restock” 🙂
Dear Jeanne-I just came across your blog via KRR. I was fortunate enough to take her e-course this summer and it was amazing!! Kelly really opened her heart to us and shared all of her knowledge (and she was like 5 months pregnant at the time!!)
I am an artist (I do mixed media work)…very woman-centered with a strong storytelling aspect to it. My info (blog, website, Etsy) is
http://sorayanulliah.blogspot.com
http://www.sorayanulliah.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sorayanulliah
Thank you so much for doing this giveaway and paying it forward!!-Soraya
Jeanne-
Thank-you for such a gift of generosity. I hope that people going forward will be this gracious. I try to everyday, and teach my children to do the same.
I am an avid follower of Kelly Rae’s blog and her beautiful work.
I am a self-taught jewelry designer. Being self-taught, that is very difficult for me to say designer. I started beading five years ago and the last two years have concentrated in metalsmithing.
I am fortunate that I have a job where I can work from home and have my studio. I welcome you to visit http://www.sissyandjacks.etsy.com and http://www.sissyandjacks.blogspot.com.
Cheers,
Stacy Hartis
Sissy & Jack’s
Hi my name is Kelli! I love making art- mixed media pieces and collage. I’ve been studying for the past two years and haven’t had the time to sell any of my work but would love to start. Thanks for the oppotunity to win Kelly Raes wisdom!!
hello! i’m Nelli and i am from Greece. i just open my etsy shop and trying to open my site. i create and sell mixed media paintings prints and handmade gifts.
I’m not so good on internet i’m tryin to learn…
anyway i’m doing baby steps and hope that i can handle all this!!!
But i’m so happy with my choice to left my day job and devote to my art!!! you can see some of my work:
http://www.nellyssecretgarden.com/
http://www.etsy.com/people/nellyssecretgarden
http://www.nellyssecretgarden.blogspot.com/
send you love!!!
Nelli
Hi there,
I run a little ETSY shop called Scrapps Flea Market. As well as the world around me, my biggest inspiration comes from my 5 little children – 4 daughters & my new baby boy – all aged 5 and under.
My very own precious little collection of babushkas! Thats right, I paint & collage babushka doll wall art. And yes 5 children in 5 years, so life is busy & it is so very hard to balance my creative goals with that of family life, let alone know how to try & grow my business.
In the meantime, you can find my ETSY here: scrappsfleamarket.etsy.com
and my arty/life blog here: katemason.blogs.com
Thank you so very much for the opportunity! Kate M xo
this is amazingly kind!! it can feel very lonely out here starting out and can feel like the folks who are successful never struggled… but luckily there are folks out there like you & kelly rae who show us we are not alone & that we can be a success too.
My name is Catina jane Gray ..
I am a self taught mixed media artist & jewelry designer..
A Jesus freak on a journey to healing & hope.
a girl who is learning to be no one but herself thru alot of trial & error… A woman saved daily by the grace of a loving God!
My Art is created from the need to remind myself & others that they are loved & to never give up!
my website : http://www.catinajanearts.com
my blog: http://www.catinajanearts.com/blog.html
my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/catinajanearts
my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catinajanearts
thank you for the chance to win and i’m so happy to have found your blog!!
i also blogged about the giveaway here :
http://www.catinajanearts.com/1/post/2010/11/help-along-the-way.html
This is such a wonderful gift. In a time when people seem to focus on the negativity and copycats and downers so much its refreshing to find those who share so openly and want to give. That is one of the things that is so awesome about Kelly and many other small artistic business owners.
I do freelance graphic design (www.bluhmstudios.com) specializing in the exact type of people you are reaching out to and in my spare time I list things I create with my own hands in my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluhmstudios).
Thanks again for your generosity and much luck in all you do!!
Wow a fantastic thing ” Pay it forward ” I have been looking at Kelly website and wish I could get her ebook but at this time it is not possible. I just started a blog last week and do not have an etsy shop yet.I have to confess I have no idea what I am doing.I am taking little tiny steps right now.Writing this post this morning is a giant step for me. I do not know why I am so afraid to go forward. I love to paint and draw , actually that is all I think about.lol….I am taking Tam’s free course “Art, Heart & Healing” at Willowing.ning and I am so gratefull to people like her and yourself who help others the way you do. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Thank you so much = )
Hey there, I follow Kelly Rae’s blog also and have been very tempted to purchase her e-book. The only thing holding me back is the huge investmens in myself I have made over the last few months…one of which was having my new site built http://www.sloanesolanto.com.
I like to knit critters with novelty yarns (of my own designs), work with gourds (that I turn into bright, colorful whimsical critters), and on canvas (I paint tissue paper to use as my collage medium).
I don’t know where I am going with all this, I just hope that one day I can spend everyday doing something that I love. Just taking it one step at a time.
Thanks for this giveaway. Sloane
Thank you for this great opportunity!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/patterngirl43
http://jforddesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.twirlygirlsartstudio.com
OK…let’s see if I can keep this to a short version.
For as long as I can remember (since I was a little girl) I wanted to do something creative but I wasn’t sure what. I took classes in school with teachers that were too critical and discouraged me from thinking I was any good.
So I listened to my dad and went to art school and got into graphic design. This was a good outlet for creative but it became doing what others wanted instead of what I wanted. Then I started a small business in interior design and this became more about the stuff than the creative.
I almost started a line of childrens items many years ago but fear held me back. Instead I spun my wheels in my mind for many years. Until I got cancer and a divorce and had to face reality. I simply can not spin any longer.
After my treatments in May 2009 I was in New Jersey taking some time with my dad and discovered Kelly Rae Roberts art in a little shop near the beach. Her art was me. Me in more ways than I realized at the time.
Since then my dream of a creative life to support myself and my children has been a daily dream and a struggle. I have a start and I know it is possible to go further but…well you know how it goes…things get in the way.
I’m ready…more ready than ever to take this leap and have faith. My spirit is ready to soar…no more fear.
Thank you again for this awesome opportunity to learn from someone who inspires me to listen everyday to my inner voice. I am making steps…it’s the big leap that I need a good push with:)
Hi – I have an etsy shop called Funky Junk – a quirky collection of old things made new……and some new things too! I sell beaded ornaments that have been creatively recycled from old necklaces and earrings and I create mixed media collages as well. In the “new” category, I craft customized and personalized Christmas Stockings for pets or people. Thanks for this opportunity! Kelly Rae is such an inspiration!
Sherri Vilov
slvilov.etsy.com
Hi Jeanne ,
Wow how exciting!! kelly Rae Roberts ebook….That is a Super Give Away….how nice of you to be willing to help this way. She is an exceptional Artist. My name is Nicole Nadeau and I love to journal , paint and draw…that is all I think about lol. I just started a blog ,like a week ago and I do not have an etsy shop yet.Doing that for me was a scary thing, I have to confess I have no idea what I am doing right now, I am taking tiny little steps and writing a post here is a giant step for me. I am so afraid of going forward, I have so many little voices inside my head telling me why this can not work.I am taking the Free course Art, Heart & Healing by Tam of Willowing.ning , like you she is an artist who has a big heart. I find it is helping me a great deal. I thank you so much for the opportunity to enter this give away. Love the music !
Peace and Love !
Nicole = )
Sorry for posting twice I taught my post was lost somewhere…in cyberspace ! I am a newbie at this, I am sure you can tell by now = )
Hello! Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to share our dreams and creative pursuits with you and the online community. Last year, I gathered the courage to leave my full-time employment to pursue my creative dreams and passions. I am still very much working really hard to fully develop my business, and am so thankful for the women online who inspire me each day with their stories, advice and resources.
My creative venture is centered around helping others live the life they truly want – in both work and play. I offer consulting services to assist budding creative entrepreneurs develop or fine-tune their vision and plans to start their own creative biz. I am also hoping to start a coaching program so that I can coach others as they work towards living a more authentic, creative life.
I truly believe creative outlets are important, and mine is making beaded jewelry (inspired by my mom). I’ve just started exploring this more and recently opened an etsy shop.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the opportunity to be a part of this great opportunity! I am very much inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts, and would greatly appreciate her e-book! I will definitely be sharing your Pay It Forward post on my blog!
Blog: LIVE CREATIVE ~ http://www.wyokemia.com
Etsy: Peach Evolution Designs ~ http://peachevolution.etsy.com
Hello Jeanne,
What a wonderful blessing your idea and your giveaway is. I have just started my new home business adventure of making and selling handbags, “arm treasures.” I recently ordered Kelly Rae’s Flying Lessons. I consider her my “true north”, my compass, my hero. However, I am entering this “giveaway” in hopes of winning Flying Lessons for a very dear artist friend who paints the sweetest, most heartfelt paintings imaginable. I would love to see her use Kelly Rae’s generous information to give her business “wings.” My friend is DeDe Shamel and her website is:
http://dedeshamelsartandframesetc.atomicshops.com/
Jeanne, your website is a beautiful inspiration and I do love it.
Thank you. Sheri
I think that it is wonderful what you are doing! I have been on the verge of starting my own business, and actually got a business license in anticipation a year ago, to sell my fused glass art. Just this year (season actually) I am getting into a couple of local sales/shows. I’d love to learn from someone on how to start a creative business — it takes a lot of courage to get your work out there and critiqued — both good and bad. At this point I have “started” an ETSY shop ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/jvolzdesign ) but haven’t listed any items. I can’t seem to overcome the hurdle of posting pics and descriptions. In the interim I’ve posted pictures of a lot of my work @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvolzdesign/ Here’s to winning!
Oh this is so beautiful. My name is Katie. I’m American; my husband is German. We split our time between a 480 square foot apartment in Berlin, Germany and – get this – a house made out of hundreds of recycled tires in the Rocky Mountains. We ride our bikes just about anywhere we can, eat our vegetables, and have an enormous passion for seizing life.
My journals have always documented our adventure. But we just couldn’t keep it all to ourselves. (The love of fun journals, I mean. NOT the jetlag. You really don’t want that!)
I have a journal, baby book, travel book, scrapbook shop: http://www.gadanke.com
I blog about creating a simpler, handmade life: http://www.makingthishome.com
My shop is 1 year old. I got serious about it upon returning to the US this summer. It currently supports my husband and me as he attends school.
Thanks so much for this and for introducing me to so many fascinating people through the comments.
Katie
Hello…what a generous and heartfelt post. I am a mixed media collage artist and I sell my work on Etsy. I teach workshops online and will be teaching at live venues in 2011. I have followed Kelly Rae’s career since the beginning and you are right, she has a very inspiring story. My website is http://www.mycollageart.com and my Etsy shop is http://www.collageartgirl.etsy.com Thanks again for your glorious generosity 🙂
~Nancy
This is such an inspirational post! I am grateful to be able to share a little bit of what I do, and to learn about everyone else. It amazes me how many talented people there are! I love how we are so connected through our artistic beings~~ I tend to think of our artistic community much like the weave in a piece of fabric. Each thread is individual, yet it crosses over every other thread to create something beautiful & visual. I too want to be able to “pay it forward” as I grow into this “new path” that I am on.
And I greatly appreciate you and people like KR for showing us the way!
So- I am Valerie and I paint & create decoupage on glass. My decoupage glass is made with handmade paper, printed paper and words that I print on handmade paper to apply to the glass. I’ve been doing this on the side for years, but became serious about selling this past year.
You can check me out at:
http://www.twig2neststudio.etsy.com
http://www.twig2neststudio.blogspot.com
I also have a fine art background and have been working lately on inspirational mixed media paintings. I’m just starting to post these at http://www.valerieweller.blogspot.com
My dream is to develop more in this area and perhaps become licensed.
Again- thanks for this opportunity. I look forward to learning about everyone else and sharing what is given!
Oh you got the date book, it’s lovely! Your site is equally beautiful. I’m having so much fun checking out the many wonder sites our Kelly Rae friends have to share. I think this Christmas will be a handmade heaven!
Oh wow, what a great giveaway!
I do have a business where I make and sell jewelry: http://springlanedesigns.com and i blog at http://springlanedesigns.blogspot.com
I am also pursuing a career in art and/or photography.
Still trying to find my way but it’s been a blast so far!
Hi Jeanne,
I am new to your blog…I read about you on Alice in Paris’s blog.
I used to own a dog biscuit business, and mentored many women over the 10 years I owned the business. I loved that part of my job. I sold the business 2 years ago, and am now involved in 2 creative projects.
The first project is the Paws For Charity Art Book Project…an annual project that involves artists and photographers from around the world. I edit books using their donated artwork, and also sell greeting cards and calendars. All the proceeds (100%) raised from the sale of these items are donated to breast cancer charity. blog: http://www.pawsforcharity.blogspot.com etsy shop: http://www.pawsforcharity.etsy.com
My second project is a personal project to take my photography to a new level by adding inspirational words to my photographs. This is a relatively new project, but something I want to focus on more in 2011. I find there is a lot of negativity in the world, and I want to create things to inspire myself and others. My personal blog is http://www.sharleystudio.blogspot.com and my etsy shop is http://www.sharleystudio.etsy.com
No matter who wins your wonderful giveaways, I am looking forward to reading more about the other businesses.
Jeanne,
you are such a special soul….this is so generous!!!
what a wonderful idea!!!
i am slowly but surely baby stepping into my etsy shop which will be filled with my original paintings, handmade journals, prints, cards, and hopefully more as i grow with all of this. my store name is: heartwingsisters
i have recently ventured out into showing my stuff to local boutiques and i have one that is very interested in carrying some of my little creations! so…i am excited about that!!!
you can find me at: heartwingsisters.blogspot.com
loving you beauty!!
ox
k
ps…that conversation you and i had still rings in my head over and over again. thank YOU!
What a sweet idea! My friend Brandy suggested I would enjoy this post :). I’m Kristine and I’ve stared my own business selling my handknit and handcrocheted items, as well as patterns.
http://kadyellebee.etsy.com and http://kadyellebee.com
I’ve really gained a lot from others in the crafting world, and I’ve gotten to take some fabulous online classes. This is a wonderful way to really increase my knowledge of my craft and being an online business woman 🙂
I love designing, I was in the world of web design before realizing I should combine my newfound love of knitting with my designery brain. It really fits well and I can’t wait for my business to flourish.
Hi Jeanne, that is so kind of you to offer this giveaway. Such a great opportunity. I was just in my first craft fair/bazaar today and am planning on putting some of my extra items up in my shop within the next few days. Thanks again for the chance and also for your beautiful blog.
Angie
I paint portraits, but not the stuffy kind of portrait you see framed in galleries. These are different. Sometimes, I use a photo for reference. Sometimes, they come straight from my imagination. Most have funny, sad, or weird expressions on their faces. Some are wearing masquerade masks. Some have weird or unusual compositions. Most are bright and colorful.
Come see what you think..
My etsy –
http://etsy.com/shop/mizkatie
my website and blog –
http://www.mizkatie.com
What an awesome way for us to support each other!
My name is Donna and I am the owner of Livingston Street Decor, where I sell vintage decor and nostalgic accessories. I am lucky enough to have my shop in huge old dairy barn with 18 other fabulous gals. We all love vintage decor and we all love to repurpose and reinvent just about any “junk” we find. Just as in “blog-land”, we are a constant source of inspiration and support for each other. Thanks so much for being an inspiration to all in “blog-land.”
http://www.livingstonstreetdecor.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparklythoughts
This is the year that I’m supposed to prove to myself that I really can make money on my art. My youngest daughter will be starting school in the Fall and I’m supposed to go back to work, unless I can make this work:) I consider myself a painter, but also enjoy working with paper doing collages, and papirsklip (Danish: art of paper cutting) I also make jewelry and dream pillows from herbs that I grow in my garden.
My recent paintings are about motherhood: the amazing transformation, the strong emotions, the nurturing instincts as well as the universal strentgh of women!
Selling and marketing are not my strong points but I’m willing to learn and thankful for opportunities like this:) Thank you so much for your time and generousity Jeanne:)
Maja Sommersted
http://www.etsy.com/shop/msommersted
http://www.majasommersted.com
http://www.majasommersted.wordpress.com
I’m contemplating two business options these days, thanks to becoming unemployed last year. One is a professional organizing business; the other is a freelance writing/editing business. I’ve been unsure which way to go, but am going to need to just jump in soon. Wish me luck!
And, thanks for your kindness in sharing with others!
This is so fun checking out everyone’s businesses and SO sweet of you to do this! I (as you know) am a VERY small shop owner in Castle Rock, CO. Formerly “The Ruffled Nest”, I have recently changed the name of my business to “Farmhouse Vintage”. I sell vintage decor and vintage-inspired gifts and decor. I am from the South, so my passion really lies in all things country/farmhouse-style. I like to create when given the time (currently decorating my new crafting studio), but my 3-year-old keeps me pretty busy and my husband travels ALOT! I am currently working on a new website to sell from at http://www.farmhouse-vintage.com and will soon be selling on etsy as well at http://www.shopfarmhousevintage.etsy.com. My shop is in The Barn Antiques (www.thebarncastlerock.com) – I am surrounded by amazing (and sometimes dramatic) talented and creative women and love being a part of that (minus the drama LOL)! I am hoping to really grown my business this year but starting fresh with online selling. I’m also hoping to network my business with other creative bloggers!!
Bless your generous heart, Jeanne! I agree completely; what is the point if we can’t share and help each other along the way?
I opened my etsy shop nearly a year ago. I have had so much encouragement from my family and friends but I struggle with balancing time for homeschooling, home making and my creative endeavors. As a result, my shop is frequently on the low side. I have Kelly Rae’s class on my wish list; she is such an inspiration (and she could surely help this struggling wife/mama/teacher/artist!).
My etsy shop is http://www.poemstudio.etsy.com and my blog is http://apoemlife.blogspot.com
I used to own a brick and mortar shop in a small Texas town selling antiques and such. It was fun, but ended when we moved. Through life circumstances it was not a wise choice to open another brick and mortar in our new town… but the dreaming I have done has been abundant.
LAST year for Christmas, I was given the book Blogging For Bliss. I have read it cover to cover…. SEVERAL times! I have wanted to start a blog and jump into this friendly world of creative ladies, but I have been so timid. I would also like to open an etsy shop, or sell from my own blog/website possibly. I reserved a blogger name, but if you went there, you would see nothing. I have at times been bold, and contacted blog-gals to ask advise etc. I even corresponded with a lady that creates blogs for a fee (recommended by a gal I contacted) and considered hiring her to help me create something. But again, I backed off.
I guess if I were chosen for this give-away, I would hope that it would be just the nudge I need to get me going… but I will hope the best for whoever may receive this fabulous gift!
Thanks for the opportunity… to dream a little.
Christi