And a special thank you to Venice for driving us around :)Warning! This post is going to be major pic heavy! Just wanted to share with you the magnificence of the Grand Canyon! It was so gorgeous…words can not describe it! And I got to share the experience with some great ladies! Here are some of the photos I took!
You may or may not know that I drove to Arizona last week to a crafting retreat, Creative Estates. It was started by Shealynn Benner and it was a blast meeting her in person! Now, in case you’re wondering, Flagstaff, AZ is 17 hours and 43 minutes from good ol’ Auburn, NE. I drove for a couple reasons – it was cheaper than flying, I wanted to see that part of the country and I needed room to pack my craft supplies! I am such a shy person, that merely minutes after walking in, I almost started crying and turned around and came home. Thank God I didn’t! Once I realized that almost everyone there felt the same way I did and that none of us really knew each other, I started to feel better! I was completely out of my comfort zone. Thursday night we all mingled and got to know one another. Some of us had a few drinks out by the bonfire, which was a blast! On Friday, I made some really great friends and we headed to the Grand Canyon. On Saturday, I did a lot of crafting and decided to make a traveling quilt with my new friends {more on that in a later post…like when it’s finished}. And Sunday, I left bright and early so I could make it home late that night. From left to right – Venice, Mandy, Kashoan, Leilani, Me, Sara, Katie We had some crafting classes taught by Ashley from The Shine Project, Shey herself, Ilene from Much Love Illy and Ashley from Little Miss Momma. They were all wonderful and sweet and inspirational! Now, I must admit…I was horrible at taking pictures this whole trip. I didn’t even craft that much. I just felt like relaxing the whole time and enjoying my time off from work and being a mom. So, most of my pictures are stolen from my newly found friends! Thanks ladies :) On top of all that, we received amazing swag bags upon arriving. Here are the contents. Thank you, thank you to all the people who donated to them!! I love each and every thing in there. Please check out these shops and show them all some love. And the best part…I won 4 giveaways while I was there!!! Does that even seem fair? No, but I never win anything, so I will take it! Here’s what I won: Thank you to everyone for the donations to swag bags and giveaways! And thank you Shey for creating this event. Despite the drama, I had a great time and met some wonderful ladies! I can’t wait to meet up with some of them again!
1 – cowl by Snowdrift Designs 2 – cards by Paper Clouds 3 – cute paperclips by Sugar and Dots 4 – rosette earrings by Along for the Ride 5 – glitter earrings by Acute Designs 6 – camera magnet by Three Bees Creations 7 – hairbow by Artsy Anthropology 8 – flower headband/sash by Lonestar Lovelies 9 – flower clip by Love Stitched 10 – hair clip by The Sweetest Petunia 11 – cup cozy by Bellina Originals 12 – necklace by The Vintage Pearl 13 – flower pin by Much Love, Illy 14 – keychain by Candid Grace 15 – art print by Livy Love Designs 16 – rosette necklace by Vintage Wanna Bee 17 – craft twine from The Twinery 
This picture does not do this justice. I kinda had it all torn apart, but this is a lip balm set by Heather at Kustom Kissers. You get to decorate your own lip balm or she creates kustom lip balm for you!
I also won this adorable necklace made by Kashoan of KraftyKash! She is super sweet and from Nebraska, just like me!
I’m very excited about winning this twine from The Twinery! Not sure what I’m going to use it for yet, but I love it!
Yes, you saw that right…I won a Silhouette freaking Cameo! It also came with a vinyl starter pack. I have a feeling my Cricut Expression will be up for sale soon. I hear the Cameo is much better, but I’m going to test it out first. And then I will do a post on my comparison.
Here’s what Ashley said to us bloggers – “I AM SO EXCITED. This project has the potential of working small miracles in the lives of those we pass, and we will then be able to see how far one simple act can go. I want to spread the shine community into something that is in every city, so that we can get projects done and change more lives…”
This is a link to her blog post explaining this movement in more detail!
How amazing is she?! Over the course of the next week, I will receive my card and will Pass It Forward! I cannot wait! I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I will do a post about it next week and link up to Ashley’s blog. Please, please go to her website and find out how you can get a card, so you can start to Pass It Forward. Does anyone have any creative ideas to Pass It Forward for me? Are you going to join this effort? What would you do to Pass It Forward?
Alright, I’ve been working on some new products lately. I want your opinions! Yay or nay. Be honest. I can handle it! Sometimes I think I have these great ideas, then a few months later I realize they weren’t great ideas. :)
First item up for scrutiny – luxe jewelry hanger. I love this and want to make one for my own jewelry, but little problem…I feel like they are too expensive to sell. I thought this was a great idea and talked to my wonderful frame company and they sent me a sample plaque. The hubs whipped this one up for me and it was love at first sight. I would have to sell this for $42.50 to make any money on it, though. Would you pay that much??? They are gorgeous and totally unique and can come in many different colors and styles. {can you see the snow flakes in the photo?!}
My next idea is a new take on letter art prints. Basically, the entire print is designed and printed on one large sheet of photo paper with a stylish background and popular quotes and sayings…whatever floats your boat! I’m really liking this idea…don’t know why I didn’t come up with it sooner!! Here are some that I’ve been working on. You could purchase just the print and frame it yourself or order it with a frame. Wouldn’t these be perfect for a gallery wall? Opinions, please!! {and side note, I have tons of different backgrounds I can use, but I just noticed, I’m a little obsessed with chevron, lol}
I love making special handmade valentines with my kids! This year, I wanted to do something unique and special and have been scouring Pinterest for ideas. Here’s the ones I found that I am loving!
I honestly am not sure which ones we are going to do yet…procrastination at it’s best! Obviously, I’ll have to make a decision this weekend and get on it. I will post some pictures of the ones we decided to make!
1. Handmade flower hair clip! I’ve got tons of fabric and tulle laying around! I would clip it to a piece of cardstock with a cute saying printed on it.
{via}
2. Friendship bracelets. How cute are these and that saying? And Jayden is all about friendship bracelets these days. Reminds me of my childhood….
{via}
3. Heart crayons. I love love love this idea for Camden’s preschool class! I would do something a little different for the cards underneath the crayons, though.
{via}
4. Playdough hearts. Hmmm, or should Camden do this? I’m soooo torn! Or this could be for the boys in Jayden’s class..decisions, decisions….
{via}
Anyone have ideas I should add to my list? I want to hear them! Don’t be surprised if you see a post next week saying I couldn’t decide and that I made all 4 of these! Oh…I forgot about Emery! Yikes. She needs to make some for daycare friends :)
**By the way, I know I’ve mentioned Swagbucks before, and I just wanted to give you an update on how I feel about them after being on their site for several months now. I still think it’s totally wonderful! I don’t get on there as often as I should, but I have accumulated almost 5,000 swagbucks for doing practically nothing. That’s an equivalent to about $50!! I’m trying to save up for something big for myself or Christmas presents next year. Just think how many I’d have if I was really trying. Please join and earn free stuff like I am! If you have any questions on how it works, let me know!**
Lately, I’ve been feeling depressed, which is very unlike me. I feel like I’m being torn in a million directions, but don’t have the resources to take any of them. Instead of dredging through those directions, let me tell you how I’m pulling myself out of this slump.
I’m listening to my heart. It’s telling me that it’s okay to be where I’m at in my life. It’s telling me to be confident. It’s telling me that my dreams can come true, if I don’t lose sight of them. You have to make your dreams happen, they don’t just come knocking on your door. Well, maybe for those lucky few, they do, but who wants to be handed something? It feels much better when you have earned it. Don’t settle for anything less and don’t give up. I’m gonna soar….
Here are the dreams you can expect to see me working towards {and accomplishing} -
And those are just business dreams, my personal ones are a bit loftier! I can do it and so can you! What are your dreams? Do you have any advice for me on accomplishing mine?
I saw this on Shey’s blog and Leilani’s and thought I’d give it a go! After all, I will be attending Creative Estates with these ladies, so anything to get accquainted beforehand helps!
1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:15
2. How do you like your steak? Medium. It has to be tender, but not super bloody.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I don’t remember. It’s been a while!
4. What is your favorite TV show? I have a few, but my favorite is right now is The Vampire Diaries.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Somewhere on the east coast. Or Ireland or Italy.
6. What did you have for breakfast? A Fiber One bar.
7. What is your favorite food? Fried rice…only the kind my grandma used make.
8. Foods you dislike? Soups and pies. Unless it’s chili or a chocolate pie.
9. Favorite place to eat? Arbys, lol. I worked there for 5 years and still love it!
10. Favorite dressing? Ranch
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? A Dodge Grand Caravan. I told my husband I’d never drive a minivan and now I can’t live without it.
12. What are your favorite clothes? Tshirts and pajama pants…comfy!
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Italy and Ireland and Japan
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full, I’m super optimistic :)
15. Where would you want to retire? On a farm in Nebraska with horses.
16. Favorite time of day? I am a total night owl.
17. Where were you born? good ole Auburn, Nebraska
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Not a sports person, but if I have to Husker football!
19. What is your favorite fragrance? Cucumber Lime at the moment
20. What is your favorite face cream? Don’t have one.
21. Favorite baby/kids products? anything handmade :)
23. Are you a morning or night person? Night
24. Do you have any pets? Nope, we did have an English Bulldog, be we didn’t have time for him.
25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share? I’m going to Creative Estates! :) Pretty much the highlight of my year!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? a photographer
27. What is your favorite memory? Getting married and having my 3 crazy kids!
28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog
29. Are you married? Yes…to the most stubborn person alive :)
30. Always wear your seat belt? only when I go out of town
31. Been in a car accident? Yes, but nothing major.
32. Any pet peeves? People that cause drama and then talk about how they hate drama!
33. Favorite pizza toppings? Extra cheese, onions and pepperoni
34. Favorite flower? Well, it was always calla lillies, but they just aren’t doing it for me these days. Haha!
35. Favorite ice cream? Oreo.
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Arby’s.
37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? None…and I have a CDL. Ok…I may have failed part of the written test with my CDL.
38. From whom did you get your last email? Infarrantly Creative blog post
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Target, I guess…I don’t get out much!
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Not lately, but I do love me some spontaneouty (sp?!)
41. Like your job? I do, but I’d rather my handmade business be my job!
42. Broccoli? Love it!
43. What was your favorite vacation? Probably going to Alaska when I was 22. Alaska is amazing and I’d love to go back with my hubby!
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Hubby and the kids.
45. What are you listening to right now? Radio
46. What is your favorite color? Blue.
47. How many tattoos do you have? One and boy, was it painful!
48. Coffee drinker? Totally! But, I must have cream and sweetner!
Tell me I’m not the only one that this happens to. I was a vendor at a quarter auction last weekend and somebody, at a nearby table, commented rudely every time one of my letter art pictures came up for bid. “Don’t bid on that, I can make it myself. Why would anyone pay for that?” and on and on and on. It took everything for me not to turn around and bitch slap her. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this, though. Somebody always walks by at craft fairs mumbling about why would they pay so much when they can do it themselves. Does this happen to any of you?
Here’s to you rude people out there that have no clue. If you think you can do better, prove it. I’d just like to tell them to go make one for less that I charge. Then let’s compare how yours looks next to mine.
Let’s have a breakdown on what it would cost that rude person to go whip up a letter art picture comparable to mine:
Disclaimer: {I know I sound a little bitter here, and I am, but in all reality, I know these people will always exist and I can live with that, but maybe I can deter a couple of them} So here’s to everyone that thinks I (or anyone else with a handmade product) charge too much.
***I charge $100 for a 6 letter picture, but many times you can get that at a discount up to 15% off.
- custom heirloom quality handmade frame $60 retail (this does not include a frame that you can buy at Target, or Kohls, or Hobby Lobby, etc.)
- matting – at least $30 for a custom mat to be cut. Or you could go buy a mat cutter for over $100 and figure out how to do it yourself.
- letter photos – I’ve spent hours upon hours taking these and driving around. For you to just go out and get some for yourself, that are comparable to mine, you’d need a DSLR camera (there goes hundreds of $$), gas, and many hours. If I roughly add these up total what I’ve spent taking pictures, it’s approximately $6.58 per photo that I offer. Take that times 6 letters = $39.48.
- plexi glass – $5.12
- plexi glass cleaner – $6.00
- acid free photo mounting tape – $5.00
So, if you already have a DSLR camera, you’re looking at $145.60 to make your own. And that does not include your labor. If you don’t own a DSLR camera, then you’ve got a huge initial investment and time spent learning how to use it and take a decent photo. A regular digital camera isn’t comparable to my photos.
Now that you have that information, know that this isn’t just for my product, it goes for any product…handmade or not. I admit I was guilty of saying this myself (but not so those people could hear me, that’s so RUDE), until I went and started my handmade business. It was an eye opener and I wish I could go take back all those first pictures I made and replace them! Guess you have to start somewhere, right!
And one more thing, if you think a handmade person is just out to rip you off and make a huge profit, think again. Handmade businesses are probably the most honest businesses you will ever find. I know most of us don’t put enough value on the actual work that we do and many, if you look closely, are probably making less than $5/hr for their hard work. We really love what we do and that’s what handmade is all about.
Yes, I know. It’s been awhile. Let’s forget that I abandoned you all over the holiday season. Did you all have a great Christmas and New Years? I did for the most part…once i got all my orders finished. My last one was picked up on Christmas Eve morning. Talk about stressful. My sales did triple this year, which makes me so grateful and excited of what the future holds. At the same time, I’m exhausted. Thank you all for that!
I did have a miscarriage the week before Christmas. I haven’t really told many people, but I’m sure they’ve figured it out by now. Definitely not what I wanted for Christmas. The worst part was having to tell the kids. I’m doing fine with it…we’re gonna keep trying for number 4! Other than that, things are going good and I’m hoping that 2012 is much better than 2011.
I’m really going to try and get back to blogging regularly. But my main reason for this post is to tell you about the Creative Estates retreat! If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know what this is all about. For the rest of you, it’s a creative retreat in Arizona that was founded by Shealynn Benner (owner of SheyB Camera Strap Slipcovers). It looks amazing and I am just dying to go, but can’t really afford it at this time. Tickets to this event are $250 and that includes staying in a huge lodge, food, craft supplies, etc. That’s really a steal! It’s the weekend of March 10th.
This is my attempt to enter Shey’s giveaway for a ticket to Creative Estates. Let’s hope it works :) I realllly want to go! Here’s why:
{SO, thanks again Shey for the opportunity! And thanks for creating such a wonderful event and inspiring so many of us! OH..and you might be shocked to know that I’ve never heard of Toms before until you posted that picture on your blog the othe day! Haha! I live a sheltered life over here in Nebraska!}
Alright, I admit, I’ve been pretty sparse lately. It’s not that I’m not feeling inspired to share anything, it’s more like I barely have time to breathe these days. Things are getting better, though as a couple of huge stressors are over with. The moving situation is over…I’m organized enough to survive for a while. And the craft fair I was organizing with the PTO is over with. More on that in a bit!
First of all, I am realllllly sorry for the lack of anything on my website these days. I know I need to post more and I need to update my website with new frames and whatnot. It’s a work in progress. It will get done, but if you want something that’s not listed on here, just shoot me an email (tayloredinspirations@hotmail.com) and I’ll hook you up!
Second of all, please know how important it is to shop locally, buy handmade and support craft fairs, etc…especially during the holiday season. I’m not just saying this to try and boost my business. It really is important. You’re helping someone like me to put food on the table or earn some extra cash or supporting the local community. Handmade products can often be personalized, customized and are of a much better quality. And they usually mean much more to someone than something you bought at Walmart. Just saying.
With that in mind, I’m going to share with you some great handmade holiday gifts over the next month…some that you can purchase, some that you can make yourself!
Back to the craft fair. We raised over $1,000 for the local elementary school, which shows it was so worth all my time and energy. As an additional fundraiser, we also made Reading Nook Tents with the elementary students. Thank you to Ana White for the instructions! And my husband for building the frames.
We purchased canvas drop cloths at Menards and cut them into squares…one for each elementary student. {Did you know that drop cloths tear in perfect straight lines?? This was such a huge timesaver} Each student used permanent markers and drew on their square. Then I had the tedious job of sewing all those squares {about 350} together to make one big piece of fabric for each tent! I thought they turned out great. I wish we had more time to paint or stain the wood and reinforce them a little more. Since this was all a success, we can start planning our 2nd annual craft fair for next year, giving us plenty of time to plan.
I can just picture this in my kids playroom with a little chandelier hanging in it, with big cozy pillows and a couple kids curled up reading books! Now, I might have to make one for our house!
Aren’t these pillows sooo simple and cute?! Didn’t take me long at all to whip these up!
I’m not going to share a tutorial with you on this, as Ana White has that covered here. But, if you have any questions at all, let me hear ‘em! I have tons of fundraiser ideas floating around in my head if you are looking for something to do at your school.
