No seriously! Michelle from Studio Surface blog was my secret santa in Aspiring Splendor’s12 days of Christmas blogger gift exchange. She sent the gift in a handmade envelope, with a handmade ornament on back, filled with this handmade necklace from her shop. I keep staring at its delicate perfection. She must have known somehow that I LOVE accessories….hmmmm 😉
Tune into Lemon and Lavender tomorrow to see what ruffly gift for her home I sent her way!
Meet Anna from: And Everything Nice – She has a brand new shop of paper goods on etsy. Christmas cards, note, cards, and invites! She is such a sweetheart and I know you will LOVE keeping up with her! She is offering some last minute stocking stuffers in a GIVEAWAY! Your choice of note cards!
To ENTER (must be a follower or subscriber of IHOD):
– Simplyvisit her shop and let us know which note card set makes you smile:)
*I am so happy to introduce you to Rachel- one of my very first favorite blogs. She is bursting with talent and inspiration:) If you are a small business owner take note! 🙂
Which has been the best aspect of blogging for you?
Being able to meet new people from all around the world that have similar interests to me. I feel like I am part of a great supportive community and I love how everyone is so nice and generous.
What inspired the Lovely Clusters Gallery/Shop?
It actually started with a sentence that I saw on Rachel Ashwell’s blog. On one of her beautiful photos she wrote “clusters of loveliness”. I just adored how that sounded so I started thinking of a way I could use those words. I decided to create a theme on my blog where I would create a cluster of images whether it be by color, category or mini portfolio of an artist or designers work. During that time I started getting really into Etsy and got lost on it for hours on end. I felt like I was rummaging through a flea market. I thought that by cataloging my favorite items on my blog and by adding them to my favorites on Etsy, it would be a good way to go back and find lovely sellers and items, but the navigation wasn’t quite right. I am a graphic and web designer so I figured that I could design a website where you could easily find favorite sellers and items by color or category. Once I had that idea I mulled it over in my head for 2 months and one day I just decided that I had to do it. It has been so much fun ever since! I love meeting new sellers from around the world and constantly being inspired by the large amount of creative individuals out there.
What are your favorite resources for inspiration and creative ideas?
I am an internet junkie so I am constantly looking for beautiful photos from pinterest.com, flickr.com, tumblr.com and of course other blogs on my google reader. Lately I love browsing chic magazine and catalogs online on issuu.com.
For small business owners, what have been the #1 tools for your success? 1. Online Networking with other small businesses and bloggers through twitter, blogging, facebook, and email. I would not be where I am today without it all. 2. I also don’t know what I would do without photoshop. My internet browser and photoshop are the two things I open up first thing in the morning. 3. My camera has also been quite handy. I get the best responses when I add my own photos to the blog and its a great way to log my creative path.
Who doesn’t appreciate something hand crocheted? I for one admire the patience and dedication it takes:) Here are some of my fave lovelies from Harvester Products! Her products are sweet and affordable!! I am dreaming of everything warm and crocheted right now in this freezing weather!
“Harvester Products was founded in 2009. My obsession with making crochet beanies prompted my husband to say, “Why don’t you sell them?” Hmmm…why not? We brainstormed the idea of using the name Harvester, which is the meaning of my name, Teresa.”
Get out your pops of Red or Green and get festive this weekend! Its December!!
I am really looking forward to the Holiday Fair tomorrow, Christmas Parties, and ending the weekend with Advent by Candlelight…an amazing event my sister put together for the women of our parish to help center our hearts for the coming of Christmas!
Dianna asked me to share a Holiday printable for her Give Thanks Blog Event. Simply download and print on cardstock, or print on regular paper to glue on holiday paper (as pictured).
I hope these can come in handy for you! Don’t you love wrapping presents?? 🙂
I am kind of crazy about Advent Calendars. I am in the middle of making one for my little fam as a surprise on the feat os St. Nicholas this weekend. Shh! Don’t tell! Advent calendars a great way to build anticipation and excitement for Christmas (not that you need much help)!
The word advent means “coming”….my family always used advent calenders as a time to gather around and reflect about who was coming– the Savior – the infant King! As a child this helped make Christ’s birth more meaningful…and hence practice the true meaning of Christmas.
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