Hello friends. So sorry for my absence. Homeschooling, dance classes, church activities, cleaning my house, oh, and lets not forget cleaning up dog pee (of course the highlight of my day)... have had me stretched to my limit these days.
I really look forward to those times during the week when I have a little bit of time to sit down and write a blog post. I have so many quilting and sewing projects stacked up in my brain that I can't wait to share with you. But they will have to wait until I have the time I'm afraid. So, today I'd like to share with you some things that I made last year. Last year my sister in-law and I decided to open up a little boutique in my teeny town. It was so fun! And was filled with handmade homey goodness. We painted the walls and took down florescent lighting in favor of lots of shabby chic chandeliers. And had lots quaint painted furniture. We always had wonderful soft music playing and our store smelled so good thanks to the handmade body care products that my sis in-law makes. After nearly a year in business, we decided to close. It just got to be too much. It was a bit of a challenge to balance homeschooling my girls and running a business. I should also mention that WE MADE EVERYTHING in the store. I know, sounds crazy, and it was crazy. But, I have to say I am missing it. I especially enjoyed making baby things. Here's a small sampling.
We had lots of chenille backed baby blankets and bibs.
I love these cushy chenille backed baby blankets.
And soft cloth diaper burp cloths.
And bib and burp cloth sets of course.
We also had lots of poofy tutus.
I also made handbags and totes.
There were also little whole cloth baby quilts, where the design was entirely in the fabric. Simple and pretty.
We had the most fun at Christmas time I think. We had a beautiful tree and our shelves stocked with all of our hard work. I loved watching our lovely shoppers gather handmade items in their arms while listening to Bing Crosby in the background.
I wish you guys could have visited our little store. I know you would have totally gotten what we were trying to do. It was always so nice to hear encouraging words from ladies who 'got it'. And not so lovely when people would say, "This is How Much?" And then mumble something about being able to get that at Walmart for $5.
So I've been thinking of opening a new little boutique, on Etsy this time. That way I could make things at my own pace when time allows and not interfere with educating my children... and cleaning up dog pee. What do you guys think? x
I would have loved to have been to your shop! It sounds like something right up my alley.
I have to admit that I have gone to stores or craft fairs and thought I could make it for less. Then I come home and make it for less. Only to find out it was harder to make than I expected. I should have just bought it when I saw it. The older I get, and the more I make, the more I cherish things made by others. If that makes any sense.
I think you should open an Etsy store. I love Etsy.
Posted by: Pollyanna | October 29, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Hi Sarah,
at the moment I start reading your post, I thought that Etsy might be the right solution for you! Then I read that you already think about that. Do it!!! These things are so lovely!!!!
Big kiss,
Sabine M.
Posted by: Sabine | October 29, 2008 at 01:39 PM
hi....i am new to your blog, i just love it...i think etsy is a great idea...if you like to make those products do it...my opinion is most people who "shop" etsy knows what time/money/energy goes into a lot of what is on sale...part of the reason you would pay more than walmart (ick!) i think your items would do well.
Posted by: kristine hanson | October 29, 2008 at 01:56 PM
There are a lot of people using Etsy with success. I think it would be a perfect thing for you to do. Just think of all the people you will reach that never even knew your little shop existed. And now would be the perfect time. I could just imagine shopping your shop at christmas. Lovely description.
Posted by: Eileen | October 29, 2008 at 02:44 PM
You should definitely open an etsy shop! Your things are beautiful and well made, what treasures they would be for anyone who buys them. You would still be using your creative side but also not feel the stress of having a shop (with walls)!
Posted by: Laurie | October 29, 2008 at 05:07 PM
So many lovelies !
Every single one is so pretty and well finished - sigh - I just want to touch every one of them (small giggle).
As I was reading your post, not knowing where you were going, I thought to myself "It would be so nice for her to open an Etsy shop". Then I reached the end of the post, so I can answer directly : Go for it !
It may be a really nice compromise : allowing you to focus on your daily rhythm and, when you have the time or the urge (!), to fill your own little shop with sweet goodies !
Posted by: mycraftyways | October 29, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Please do open an etsy shop--your stuff is amazing!
Posted by: Alexis | October 29, 2008 at 06:28 PM
My vote for the Etsy shop! Your items are darling. I love the variety, too.
Posted by: Laura | October 29, 2008 at 06:43 PM
You should definitely open an etsy shop. Your stuff is so lovely.
Posted by: MichelleB | October 29, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Your things are beautiful! I would check out your etsy shop. Let me know when it opens (patton_ellen@hotmail.com). Thanks!
Posted by: Ellen Patton | October 29, 2008 at 07:26 PM
You have half the battle completed already. It appears to have a LOT of things already made just waiting to appear on the new Etsy Shop. Go for it. Cheers.
Posted by: averyclaire | October 29, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Based on seeing those bits and pieces...TOTALLY!! You work is gorgeous.
Posted by: M | October 29, 2008 at 08:50 PM
You are totally living my dream... your projects, your creativity, your cute little house, your noble effort to home school, living in Oregon, and on and on. I love reading your blog and find so much inspiration in it. Think of all the people you could inspire with your Etsy shop. Go for it; I know you would be a success. Good luck!
Posted by: jennifer | October 29, 2008 at 09:23 PM
I say go for it , what have you got to lose? It looks like you already have well enough stock to get you started. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | October 30, 2008 at 02:29 AM
Your shop sounds like a place I'd love. I love Etsy. I'm a seller and a buyer, mostly a seller. With the economy I've noticed it's a bit slow right now. Etsy is a perfect place to open a shop and you can do it in your jammies. No overhead, rent, etc...and only .20 per item to list! I'd love to know when you open your shop.
Posted by: Stephanie | October 30, 2008 at 02:49 AM
You shop sounded wonderful- I especially loved the image you presented of your shop at Christmas. And, like lots of your other commenters, I immediately thought that you should have an Etsy shop. What have you got to loose?! Good luck!
Posted by: sarah | October 30, 2008 at 04:41 AM
Oh, I love your things......wish I could have shopped at your little shop. Let us all know when your etsy shop opens.
Hugs. B
Posted by: Barbara | October 30, 2008 at 04:41 AM
The shop on Etsy sounds like a great idea. It would be a win,win situation as far as I can see. You can continue to make the things you love to make and we, your customers, can purchase them and enjoy the lovelyness and uniqueness of handmade items. Win,win.
Cheers,
Sara
Posted by: Sara | October 30, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Yes, do it!!
Course, someone encouraged me to open an Etsy shop and I haven't sold one thing....
But that won't happen to you! Your stuff is cute! People love baby stuff!
Do it!
Posted by: Michelle | October 30, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Absolutely. Etsy. I WILL buy.
Love your style.
~jane
Posted by: Jane | October 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Your store sounds lovely! I would have loved to visit too :) I think Esty would be great! One thing I learned was not to list everything at one time - that way when someone searches, your items don't fall to the bottom of the list (it goes by date). Have fun creating!
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | October 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Hi Sarah! I too thought "etsy!" when I was reading your post! I'll be your first customer! :-) Seriously, I have a few friends having babies soon and I was drooling over the drool bibs! Those blankets look heavenly soft. You have such amazing skill and a flair for fabric. I would have loved to see your store!! Love, Jen
Posted by: Jennifer from NY | October 30, 2008 at 11:02 AM
So much loveliness! Definitely open an Etsy shop!!! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | October 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Go for it! There are loads of tips on Etsy and in the forums on how to sell online (which obviously is a bit different than a physical store). And, the listing fees are fairly low so especially if you have existing stock you might not have much to lose.
I'd love to see photos of your old shop if you have any. I'd have loved to visit it as well!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Posted by: Lisa W | October 30, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Based on all of those lovely images, you certainly should open an etsy shop! Your handmade lovelies are adorable and I'm sure there would be a market for them....starting with me! You Go!!!
Posted by: Kathyrn | October 30, 2008 at 04:56 PM