Closing shop

I closed my Etsy shop before the wedding because time was in short supply. I intended to re-open it in time for the holidays last year, but um, I'd realized that actually having free evenings was amazing. So I told myself I'd give it a year and then make a decision.

The bottom line is that while I always turned a profit, by the time I'd paid taxes (doing my taxes was fairly hellish in and of itself) and figured out what my actual gross for the year was and then started calculating how many hours I was putting into the shop, it started to look ridiculous. I never finished those calculations because it was too depressing. I'm pretty sure I was working for less than $2 an hour. And while I loved custom orders and interacting with customers and the entire business of it, I value my time more highly than that. I was doing enough volume to take up virtually all my free time so it was hard to call it a hobby and I've never believed in treating a business like a hobby anyways. While I was sewing items over and over again for resale, it was hard to feel motivated to do my own projects.

So I'm closing the shop, for good. It was a great experience and I'm not saying I won't ever try running a business again, but this particular one is finished.

I've gone ahead and listed all my remaining inventory and I'll keep the shop open until December 15th. I'm also clearing out all the fabrics I used for the rosebud line so if anyone is interested in crafting material, just let me know and we'll work out a good price.

Thank you all for your support over the years, both here and in the shop!

Psssssttt...

The holiday sale in the shop is ending tonight at 8 pm PST. Use code BLOGLOVE20 for 20% off all orders up until then.

The four phrases napkins have been going pretty quickly (I'm so happy that you guys like them as much as I do) but I have 8 sets left in stock, so there's still time to snatch them up. The ENJOY napkins are currently sold out - sorry! They probably won't be back in stock until after Christmas, although there's a tiny chance I'll have more ready by next week. Chalkboard gift tags are available, and always a good bet for the holidays. I used them with my re-useable felt gift wrap last year, and I'll be using them again this year for sure. As always - contact me if you need larger quantities than you see listed and I'll be happy to set up a reserved listing just for you.

Heart of Light - shop update + holiday sale!

I had hoped to have more done for the shop before the holidays, but somehow there never seem to be enough hours in a day. And obviously, I have very crucial things to do, like make wreaths.

But, there are a few new things up and as a little thank you to all you readers, I'm offering a 20% discount in the Heart of Light shop from now through next Wednesday (12/8/10). Just use coupon code BLOGLOVE20 at checkout (doesn't apply to shipping, taxes or special custom pieces). As always, if you would like a larger quantity of any of the items, please contact me and I'll be happy to set up a reserved listing just for you.

A little peek at some of the new items ... 

I designed the "check one" tags last year and finally had time to stamp and package them last month. They're simple manila gift tags for people who don't like having to fill out actual cards. Or just for people who like a deadpan sense of humor. Fill in the blanks, check off the appropriate box and you're good to go. They come as a set of eight, simply packaged in a glassine envelope.

The "enjoy" napkins were designed as my personal gifts last year. Everyone in my family got a set for Christmas. We made the switch to cloth napkins a couple years ago (accidentally, because we were too lazy to go out and buy more paper towels) and we've never looked back, so we use these all the time (you can see them in use way back at new year's eve last year!). These large (~18" square) napkins are excellent for every day use. They are super sturdy 100% cotton, not fine linen. They absorb like crazy and they can be tossed in the washer and the dryer. I've even bleached ours a couple times on accident, and they still look fine. Hand printed, by me. Sold as a set of four.

The "four phrases" napkins are a little more playful and a little less elegant. Large block letters encourage guests to dig in, pig out, eat up and chow down. Again, they're sturdy and absorbent. Hand printed, by me. Sold as a set of four.

And on the personal accessories front - the silk + leather headband is a piece I'm really loving right now. I braid hand dyed bias cut silk with metallic gold leather (carefully sourced and dyed without any lead at all). Soft elastic is securely stitched to both ends, so you can simply slip it over your head and go. The design is simple, but the materials are luxurious, one of my favorite combinations.

The woven headband is handwoven by me out of a beautiful cotton/linen blend striped fabric. The result is a bright spattering of colors in a very soft headband. Secured with elastic. I made myself one of these months ago and it's been my go to for every day wear.

There are also a few new colors available in the rosebud belt, which you can see here.

A million thanks to D for taking the headband shots for me. It's a painful process, because I hate modeling (and not having control over the camera myself) but I didn't have time to schedule a real photoshoot with my sis and I wanted these up for you guys when the discount went live. 

I'm blushing...

Heart of Light has been nominated for a Poppy award in the handmade accessories category! I love the Poppytalk blog, and I'm thrilled to be in such good company.

Hop over and check out the other nominees (you can even vote for your favorite) and celebrate handmade!

Pretty much perfect

I spent most of yesterday re-listening to old episodes of This American Life*, drinking Christmas tea (with a touch of real cream!) and embossing manila tags. After all, it isn't Christmas if you don't hear The Santaland Diaries episode at least once.

{christmas tags}

The Christmas cactus stamp is from here and it's currently my favorite thing in the world. Right after eggnog.

*I actually got to be in the live audience way back when Ira Glass and David Sedaris did this show together in LA. Seeing them interact was one of the highlights of my life.

Shop updates...

For the late shoppers...

{heart of light gift certificate}

Heart of Light gift certificates are now available, redeemable in my Etsy shop. I will send you an e-certificate for no shipping fee (naturally) but if you want something tangible, $2 shipping gets you a paper certificate and my favorite deluxe Arturo card and envelope. The Arturo cards are Italian and the paper is divine. They say "happy holidays" or "happy birthday" so you can pick your occasion.

And just in time for gift wrapping - chalkboard gift tags! I tried my hardest to get these up last week, but the weather did not cooperate and painting takes about twice as long when you are dealing with rain and wind.

Chalkboard gift tags are designed by me and laser cut from 1/8" birch, then painted with chalkboard paint. You get a set of four different tags which you can re-use for years to come. Just write on them with chalk (or chalk marker if you want lots of control), tie them on your gift and then wipe them clean with a damp cloth afterwards.

Okay, enough shilling from me. Come back tomorrow for my favorite recipe for gingerbread cake.

Shop update - minis!

Introducing minis!

{minis! ruffles & rosebuds}

I love tiny versions of things and I wanted to put something in the shop that would work as a stocking stuffer (I start thinking about the holidays as soon as Labor Day rolls around - I just can't help it). The minis are small versions of my two favorite headbands, on bobby pins. I've been sticking them in my everyday low, loose bun, for a little extra pop. They come in rosebud and ruffles styles.

Each set of two is $9 and there are lots of colors to choose from (I felt a little sorry for my patient sister when she had to pose through 23 different color and style combinations). Shipping is low for the minis alone and free when you add them to an order. They come on sweet little tags, perfect for popping in a stocking or tying on top of a gift. Or you can just wear them, of course. I hope you love them as much as I do.

Etsy love - rennes le chateau

Anabela might turn out to be the downfall of my savings account. First it was the perfume. Now it's bags. She posted about rennes le chateau a few weeks ago and I had to head over to the shop and stare at all the lovely pictures.

{gretel leather tote - image from renneslechateau}

It was fate. I've been in the market for a simple weekend getaway bag / busy day tote (you know, the days where you need to carry a couple changes of clothes and some files and you have packages to mail). I'd much rather make a purchase like this on Etsy, where I feel like I know the person I'm buying from.

{the Annie bag - image from renneslechateau}

I brought the Annie bag in slate gray home to live with me. We're getting along very well already.

Shop update!

There are new pieces up in the shop!

There are rosebud headbands in pewter, turquoise and sage, and rosebud belts in chocolate, navy, marigold and turquoise. There are also brand new pin corsages in several colors. They are so sweet for fall because you can pin them on blazers and cardigans. I've backed them in my favorite 100% wool felt (this is not your mother's thin craft felt, trust me), which makes them nice and sturdy and gives them a great feel.

Sidenote - I think we need to bring brooches back, people. I have a few vintage brooches that I love, because they make even old, boring coats feel special. Sometimes I stick them on blouses or belts. If you are super stylish, you could pin one on a fabulous hat and pull it off.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this update together. And thanks again to my lovely sister for being my model. We had lots of fun shooting the photos together (we used one of my favorite family heirlooms, a hand crocheted tablecloth, as our backdrop). Hop over to the shop to see more pictures.

More fabric

The best part about having a little shop (other than the joy of working with the amazing customers I get, of course) is the fact that I can go on wild shopping sprees and they are officially a justifiable business expense. Isn't that nice?

Yesterday was quite productive. I picked up several beautiful lengths of linen, perfect for every season. For fall inspiration, I got some crisp cottons and a pretty plaid.

{fabric stack}

And, be still my beating heart, I found the most beautiful piece of super 150s Italian suiting wool in charcoal gray. A full yard. In the remnants section. It was 65% off and the price still left me breathless, but you can't believe how fabulous it is. I could just sit here all day and feel it. Cutting into it is going to give me a heart attack, I can already tell. But I will. Soon.

{super 150s}

In the unloved, dusty clearance section at the back of the store I squealed a bit when I found two bolts of Liberty cottons, heavily discounted. They are so lovely but I'm saving them for spring so you'll just have to wait. Coincidentally, there were two bolts of beautiful silk/cotton solids that look perfect with the prints. Clearly, it was fate.

{liberty of london, rescued}

Now all I need is another 50 hours added to my week, so I can find time to play with all this loveliness.

P.S. Mini shop update!

There are a couple new pieces up in the shop. I found this fabulous cream silk with tiny orange and lilac polka dots on it and I fell in love. Check out the polka dot lilypad headband, ruffles headband, belt, and wrist corsage.

You can now see examples of the rosebud belt and the ruffles belt. These will always be made to order, so you can contact me about your specific color needs before ordering.

Friday flowers (+ a friendly warning)

My million star are happily going on week 2. Not only are they cheap, they hold up like little troopers!

Shop update - Thank you all for your continued support of my little shop! After a few weeks in business, it has become readily apparent that I'll need to increase prices a bit in order to keep things running. I severely underestimated the time it takes to do everything and I want to be able to keep putting the same amount of love and care into every single piece.

To sweeten the news, I'm giving you a couple days notice. Starting on Monday, headbands will increase from $18 to their new price of $23. That means you have the weekend to snatch up whatever you might want at the current price. I'll be adding some new items to the shop on Monday as well (fingers crossed that I get everything done!), so be sure to stop by to take a peek.

The weekend, briefly

Whew. It is hot in Southern California.

I still managed to get quite a bit of crafting done.

Thanks to the genius who invented otter pops.

And because Little Britain makes for good company.

The results of the weekend?

New rosebud headbands up in the shop in lovely new colors.

Friday flowers (fake out), thank you edition

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the sweet response to my shop. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Also, I have no flowers this week. But if I did, they would be for you. The only reason I don't is because every single surface in our apartment is covered with fabric, ribbon, and papers. You can consider yourself lucky if you don't sit down and land on a stray sewing needle or two.

This weekend I will organize like crazy, and I'm also creating the rosebud headband in some lovely new colors (including seafoam green, coral and chocolate). Expect a shop update on or around Monday.

Flowers will return next week, I promise.

A new venture

I am so excited to finally share this with all of you....

My own little Etsy shop!

This has been very slow to develop, and I like it that way. I've been mulling (maybe obsessing) over it for months, designing the banner, picking out packaging, and, of course, crafting.

Lots of these items will look familiar to you because I've shared them as DIYs over the last year. That won't change. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make things for yourself and I'll continue to update the DIY index. But for those of you who are busy, or don't want to invest in all the supplies, I'm offering ready to go versions of my favorite projects. Sometimes the sanest thing you can do is pass off a project to someone else, after all.

At the moment, you can find headbands (ruffles, lilypad and rosebud versions) in several colors. They are all slightly different, so read the descriptions for details about the fabric and finishing. I used several types of silks, so the textures will vary. Some of the edges are singed for a contrast finish and some are left raw for a wispy look. These details are all specified for each model, so you will know exactly what to expect. Any of these headband designs can be sized up into belts for custom orders. Just contact me.

{heart of light headbands}

(The model is my lovely sister! How lucky am I to have a beautiful sister who is willing to patiently sit still while I fuss around and tie things on her head and photograph her?)

I also have a limited run of embroidered napkins, which I absolutely adore. If you guys like them too, I'll look into making more. Currently there are only 10 sets available.

{EAT napkins from heart of light}

And I had to add in my meal planning notepads, because I love them so much. These are also available customized, and I love the idea of giving them out as shower gifts along with some little kitchen accessories.

{meal planning notepad}

I have to send out a big, heartfelt thanks to all of you. I am so very excited about this little shop and I could never have done it without all the encouragement and enthusiasm you readers have shown me in the past year. You are all truly amazing.