So, clearly. I suck!

Yes, I suck at blogging.

 

I posted my 'I'm back' post 2 months ago, and then nothing. I tried, I really did, to get back into my blogging groove but it just wasn't there. And then more life happened. I am going to attempt to get my groove back, once again, because I truly love blogging and the community as a whole.

What has happened in the last 2 months?

 

Well, I am now officially unemployed, laid off, whatever you want to call it and honestly, it couldn't have come at a better time. Knowing that the lay off was coming, and then being extended another 3 months.. it was just more stress than I could take, and it was taking it's toll on me. I was suffering from severe anxiety and stress. Not only from thinking about the financial aspects of being out of work again, but for the fact that my work load those last few months had quadrupled. It was stressful, and I experienced the worst anxiety symptoms I have ever felt.

 

I have now been off work for about a month, and I am just now starting to feel better. Starting to feel more like myself again. Like I can take a breathe and relax. Some stress is still there, but it's a lot easier to cope with now.

 

I have also spent almost every weekend the past few months doing craft shows. I have learned so much in that aspect of my business, and it has been a huge challenge for me. I am the definition of an introvert, and am not very good at attempting to sell my work in person. But, I did it, and I'm doing it! Couldn't be any more happy with myself, and the lessons I have learned have been so valuable.

 

I have a show tomorrow, and then 4 more before the end of the year. After that, I'm not too sure I will continue doing shows, and mainly focus on my online sales, but it has been an eye opener for sure!

 

More posts on that and all the lessons I've experienced later.

 

 

Buy Handmade List: Bags & Purses

As you all know, as a small business owner and crafter myself, I try to buy locally / handmade as much as possible. I'm starting a new feature here on the blog to showcase my love of handmade and feature as many amazing artists and work as possible.

First up is one of my loves in life - purses and bags. I LOVE purses like some women love shoes. If I could, I would have 100 purses and have a dedicated closet, but for now, I will just drool over these and plan out my next purchase. Oh, if only I could work a sewing machine like I can jewellery wire!

Check out my picks below from handmade artists:

 

First up is Bookhou (above), a family run business based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I discovered their work at the Spring One of a Kind Show in 2014. I ordered one as soon as I could online and picked out the bag above. I absolutely ADORE this bag. It's a perfect size and the craftsmanship and quality is amazing!

Large waxed canvas market tote bag by Overlap $96 (United States)

 

Soft Leather bag by Opelle Creative $374 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

 

Black Chevron Make Up Bag by Gertie Baxter $20 (United States)

 

 

Grey and Yellow Clutch by Oyeta $30 (Indonesia)

 

 

Beige and Ivory Canvas Tote by Bagy Bags $92.70 (Australia)

 

 

Striped Cotton Bag by Milloo $65 (Athens, Greece)

Waxed Mint Linen and Leather Tote Bag by MUNIshop $79 (Lithuania)

 

 

I'm Back!

I am back! :)

It's hard to believe that I have been away from this blog since February, but I am excited to be able to start it up again and share a little piece of my world. Thank you to any readers or followers that have stuck by in my absence. I appreciate your support, and please continue to bare with me while I jump back into the blogging world!

I have been extremely focused on my business, since taking a blogging break, and I couldn't be happier with the results! My work has been featured on Young & the Restless, and will be shown on Days on Our Lives at the end of October. 

 

 

 

Plus, I participated in a pre-Emmy gifting suite event put on by GBK and The Artisan Group. I had the amazing Selenis Leyva from Orange is the New Blank and Alicia Witt from The Mentalist & Justified try on my Hot Pink and Citrine Gemstone Necklace at the event. (Pictures below).

 

 

I have also been signing up and participating in the world of art and craft festivals. I have learned a lot in the last few months, and am excited about the future. It has allowed me to open up and (somewhat) get past my shyness and social anxiety, which is a wonderful feeling!

Plenty of blog updates and posts to come!