Juggling Jobs

We have all been there, taking the lead, and wishing we had more time to devote to each part of our daily lives. Striving for excellence in one slice of the daily tasks, is something that most of us never achieve. We try, and try again, but real life entangles itself with our social and creative side of life.

I would like to introduce to you, our team leader, Dana, found here:
http://www.etsy.com/people/dnreyn7?ref=pr_profile.
Her dedication in creating a team, building a mission, and keeping us all organized, is short of running a small business. While considerably new to the Etsy world, she is fearless with her need to educate herself, and promote the team members. Her teachings seem to do their magic, as each team member follows, learns, and promotes as well.
We have become an army of researchers, aid workers, educators, and family.
We Have Your Back is a strong team. http://www.etsy.com/teams/13578/we-have-your-back.

And this is what we do, and we promote her work as well.
Her shop; Button Top Sugar Shop on Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonTopSugarShop

brings an element of 'sugar and spice' and everything nice, to the Etsy arena of shops. Creating beautiful things for her daughter, (pictured above), is a how it all began. But it doesn't stop at the playground.
Some of her items are crafted for girls of all ages. Because 'sugar and spice' has no age limit.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111108124/hand-sewn-fabric-floral-pin-button

A touch of class and sophistication, or just the right accessory to complete a look, is what she offers as well.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/110656410/long-black-feather-headband-dramatic

Dana's busy day is divided between many different aspects. She is mom of two, wife, home-maker, artists, photographer, and team leader. She takes on more tasks each day, with her quick notes and team discussions; a real trail blazer and go-getter.
She is learning to delegate and ask for help, knowing she can trust us, since she has taught us well. And sometimes she sits back and learns from us. This is what a true leader can offer; the ability to offer ideas, and accept others as well.

If you have a need for some 'sugar and spice', stop by Button Top Sugar Shop. If you are needing help, join the team. And when you do, you'll find a wonderful leader and educator, to follow and learn the ways of juggling the day.

Sew Perfect

In the last few months, I have witnessed some wonderful, and talented people. They master a art or craft, and bring it to the World, via the internet.

In this posting, I would like to spotlight, one such person. Her name is Sharon, and her shop is named ShadoBox. Visit her shop on Etsy HERE

She caught my eye, with pillow covers, displaying vivid colors and striking patterns; just about anything for anyone. And from a designers viewpoint, how awesome, to have a pillow cover, and freshen the look of a room.

As pictured below, a variety of color and patterns, can be seen.

                                         Trio in Gray, White and Coastal Blue

                                          4pc Pillow Set

She also offers custom orders and can add a zipper to any pillow (additional information on zippers can be found here.

                                          Black & White Zig Zag and Stripes

Sharon, fondly shared the memory of her sewing talent with me, telling me that it was her grandmother that inspired her to understand fabrics, along with the needle and thread. At the age of 7, she would sit on the front porch swing, learning and stitching, by hand. Certainly grandmothers are known for teaching many things, and Sharon most likely learned many things from someone who obviously had a talent, and wanted to teach too.

Sharon works mostly at night, from a private working room, within her home. And she feels blessed, as we all would, to have such a space, dedicated to her craft.
The time spent on the items varies, but she keeps the time down, "to make sure the potential value of the product will cover time spent." She can make several items in a single hours.


In addition to loving fabric, she also loves painting old furniture, thrift store finds like old frames, bowls, candlesticks, mosaic work with tile and glass, etc. Maybe in the near future, she will share with us, some of this amazing work.
Meanwhile, stop by ShadoBox, and take a look at the other items, her shop offers to the World.

Team Spirit

I recently started working on an Etsy team of artists, called We Have Your Back, and what a wonderful team this turned out to be for me. Actually, for each of us, since we are constantly cheering one another on, and encouraging one another through sharing our thoughts, and promoting one another through various social media outlets.
http://www.etsy.com/teams/13578/we-have-your-back

The team was an attempt to find my way through the first steps of setting up an Etsy store front, and making friends along the way. It is always great to share creativity with others, but also wonderful that we share a common bond in creating and selling our products. This common factor, instantly gives a chance to connect and share easily.

The team captain, Dana, http://www.etsy.com/people/dnreyn7, has been a leader to all of us. Dana is constantly sharing ideas, and loves to get input from each of us. This alone, has put the 'team', in 'teamwork'.

As we roll along, we are constantly growing. It is fun to see the new people coming in, and I am amazed at the generosity, and kindness, that is flowing through our discussions. Even the occasional thread pops up, "I got my first sale", is enough to trigger a wave of happiness through our team.

Of course, we are from different cities, states, and countries; and working together. How nice to know that you can cross an ocean, and there are people who are nice, fun, and creative; all in a peaceful environment!

So if you are looking for team spirit, a place to belong, or new friends, I encourage you to join a team of wonderful, and worldwide, artists.
And remember, We Have Your Back!
ps also find on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Have-Your-Back/388651131206884