Friday, November 23, 2012

Opting out

     Today is black Friday and I have decided to avoid the madness. Over the past couple of years I have become more aware of the need to support small businesses. Considering myself a small, even micro, businesswoman, I understand the need for people to look beyond the cheapest price and loudest hype and see those of us trying to make it on our own without the big bucks for advertisement and mass purchasing ability and often offering better quality and a kinder environment.
    And while you're shopping the independent businesses or direct sales in home shows I hope you recognize that gleam of appreciation in their eyes when you support and encourage them. Usually, I believe, you will find someone who loves what they're doing, someone who has found that niche that helps describe who they are, someone who cares about the end product or service enough to put that extra effort into the creation, product and follow through.
    Recently I purchased 2 purses from what I will call a fabric artist. Her work was true art! I learned something from buying from her and it is something that whenever I have seen it done in the past a little light goes on in my head that I want to remember for my creations and sales. And that is to  include the little extras that don't make the product but they make a statement.
    So, today I am going down to my craft room and play with paper! I will continue to create what makes me happy and try to always remember to include an added touch that says "Jane". And tomorrow I will go out on "small business Saturday" and shop our local small businesses. Hope you do the same!


A little creation of mine I thought you might enjoy.
And that is a link to a portion of my own small business if you would like to see more ideas or purchase high quality products to create your own beautiful paper art!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Stampin' frenzy!

     What a frenzy of stamping and creating we had last weekend. I held my annual stamp-a-stack classes and pushed my stamping friends almost to the limits of their tenacious little creative minds! Over 4 hours into our "3 hour" class I realized I may have included a bit too much. 

However, few dropped and most stayed to finish the very last card, box, tag or snowflake available!

     Eazy peazy... I knew they could ;)

This is how the set up looked before frenzy...oh how I wish I had taken an after picture.



     Here are a few of the creations!






 

I tried to keep them relatively simple yet still great. The merry card I'm pretty sure I got the main idea from a pinterest card. Sorry I can't give proper credit but if you recognize it, let me know and I will! 
Anyway, of you see something you like and would like to create it yourself, all of the products are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased here:


Thanks for looking!

Friday, November 2, 2012

self imposed chains?

it's something of a contradiction
to say that i am free
when everywhere my mind turns
i sense the shackles chaining me. 
lusting after passion
dreaming i am more
leaves me hollow and dejected
more rejected
than before.

by Jane Buchanan 11/2/12