New Job {ish}

Before I moved and became a Mrs. I was nannying those two sweet children. Now that I am in Alabama some days I feel lost. Not lost because I don't love it there but because I don't have an employer that I have to report to each day. I won't say this is how it HAS to be, but if I want to be able to spend any time with  my husband the first year of our marriage, this is how I want it to be. 


As much as this is how I want it to be, it isn't easy. So I decided to start my own small business,again. I feel like I am failing I've tried several times. None the less I start the process again.  I think, and think, and think what I can create for my shop that everyone else isn't. I think about this in the car. I wonder antique shops for ideas. I browse Pinterest. I lay awake at night thinking about it. I wake up thinking about it. I let it own me. GAH GET OUT OF MY HEAD BRAINSTORMING! When I moved and went through all this craft stuff and seen all the things I've created I couldn't help but wonder why can't I build a small business. Talk about depressing.

So..I started (another) Etsy shop {laurendarlings} a week before the wedding. I create hand painted wooden signs. I love making them but I can't hang them all in our home. There is too many.  At this point I haven't made any sales, just created gifts for friends and family.


I'm not trying to become a millionaire - ha, I would've hung it up long ago. The thing I love about creating for people is building relationships, making new friends, and making unique customized products exactly like YOU want them. Not a stock item that there are hundrerds of copies just the same as yours.


Taking the leap of faith is hard. You want people to love your products as much as you love making them. It doesn't work like that though. The internet is SO huge these days and although barriers to entry are low to becoming and Etsy shop owner, its about creating something that people need or want, find affordable, good quality, and stands out from the rest. Need I add that today's economy is not in its greatest form, but don't let that get you down cause thats always an unknown.


So what I was getting at was that  I'm not giving up. No way, I'll do whatever it takes. I finally have the time to create and make things I love and I'm not a quitter. All I wanted to do was document how frustrated it is getting started so I can look back and remember - hey thats where I started. Thats where we all start when we are chasing a dream. For some its easier. Others it takes years and years of work.


What I'm asking from you (pretty please) is what would you like to see go up in my shop? I'm open for ANY and ALL ideas and I'll do my best to create something you'll love. I can do personalized wedding gifts. Gifts and decor for baby nurseries and childrens rooms. Holiday decor. Home decor. You let me know what you want. Please. 

Finally, if you are interested in doing a giveaway on YOUR blog of one custom made sign email me at larn.levy@gmail.com After all it is the season of giving.

1 Peter 4:10 

Each one should use whatever gift he has recieved to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Now on Etsy - laurendarlings

I did it. On top of all the other wonderful busyness, I couldn't help but create more for myself. I opened a new etsy shop today.

www.laurendarlings.etsy.com

It is a trial run. I only have a limited number of items ready for sale. I'm hoping though that orders will stem and this will be my job as I arrive in Alabama, husband in hand. He can even help me with my little shop, if he wants of course. 

Anyway I'm pretty excited its been a fun week getting these darlings ready and also cooking up some goods. Stay tuned for the apple butter post you won't want to miss it. 

Busy and Blessed

I keep whining and groaning that I have such a busy week. I'M SORRY for the negative attitude. A lot of things are culminating and it's somewhat weighing on me. 


Wedding: Uh... yeah. I am the worst wedding planner. Ever. But my bridesmaids have ordered dresses (yeah that's plural he he) and mother of the bride has a dress and well, that's the extent of recent progress. 


September Call Ups: Brandon has been recalled by the Cardinals and will be joining the team on Thursday for his first big league start. This means he will be joining ME here in STL for the remainder of the month. I am thrilled beyond words! We have talked about this arrangement for quite some time. He will hopefully be able to help me make some progress planning. Just him being here is going to help a ton. This resulted in needing to do some pretty hefty house keeping for our guest. Thankfully I got home from work this evening to this already taken care of for me. Seriously, thanks MOM!


Family Health: Brandon's grandfather is currently in the hospital with several health issues. He was in the hospital the first time BD got called up and had a successful surgery and very positive recovery. As of late, things have taken a different turn and a few other issues have arose. It makes it even harder that neither Brandon or I can be with him during this time. We are needing lots and lots of prayers for him, please and thank you.


Work/Blog: I have a vinyl order I need to get cut and delivered. No biggy, that will be done in an hour. I'm participating in a giveaway for another blog next week and in the mean time, I am trying to prepare and get product photos taken for the future Etsy shop and not let my blog, that I feel is finally starting to take shape, fall apart. 


Oh yeah did I mention my dad wants to road trip to Milwaukee for the game Thursday... guess I will just have to be productive in the car. Time to embrace and be thankful for the busy and blessed days ahead.

Matthew 6:34 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

With a Twist

If I come across an idea and I know I can create something similar, I usually don't waste any time. If you follow me on Pinterest you will see this on my Make It board. It is fun to take something you see and put a twist on it, making it your own. Some twists work better than others but its fun to experiment sometimes at the cost of frustration along the way. Trial and error is not optional in creating. Have a little looksy.

I'm sure you'll see these again maybe in a little shop I've tried starting twice, third times a charm. You know football season is just around the corner, I'm thinking some school pride color combos. MIZ..... anybody, anybody? Well okay then. Go Tigers!