There are several "stories"--real, true accounts--in the Bible that I love reading. I may have read them many times, but they still send chills up my back and make me think. One is the story of Ruth. Talk about romantic! Dedication, honor, respect, love *sigh*...once I start the book of Ruth it's hard to put it down until its all read (at least it's a short book). The story of Joseph is another. I was reading it this morning. Jealousy, danger, lies, falsehood, character, forgiveness...The part where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers..."I am Joseph," in chapter 45 is so compelling! Talk about goosebumps! There are two lessons that I'm reminded of when I read about Joseph. The first thing is to stay true to God no matter what. Let's face it, Joseph would have had a pretty good excuse to blame God for how his brothers ganged up on him and sold him and he had to live his life as a slave in Egypt away from his family...not to mention that he was lied about and ended up in jail. However, through it all he was faithful and true and trusted God even when he could have easily done wrong (and no one would have known or cared!). What a good example of character! The second thing is that from the very beginning when his brothers were moved to jealousy all the way to going before Pharaoh to give God's interpretation of the dreams, the Lord's hand was in his life. God knew the future and prepared him all along the way--he ended up in Egypt (had to learn the language); the captain of the guard happened to buy him; he ended up in jail where he met the butler; he saved thousands of people from hunger.
The account of Joseph is a good one to think on as we ring in the new year. When times get rough, God's hand is in it for a reason even though things at the moment may seem unjust, unfair, or overly difficult. God knows the future and is shaping and preparing us for things we don't yet know about. Also, no matter what, have character and be faithful to God no matter what the circumstances and whether anyone knows or not. It will always be worth it in the end.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
New Floral Dragonfly Brooch
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Lollishops? Etsy? Ebay? What Have I Learned?
I was thinking this past week about the year almost behind us and the decisions I've made for Glass Bead Treasures and what, if any, changes I would make for the new year ahead. I've learned a lot, made some mistakes, and made a few decisions.
I've learned (the hard way) to be very exacting when listing something...hurrying with a description will incur mistakes. I've learned that Priority mail is just too expensive for little things like I have. I offer free shipping on everything (which I appreciate when purchasing from others), but Priority is just too much money. First class gets things where they need to go in a timely manner--and I always put a tracking # with each package. No one can then say their package never arrived.
I put several things on Ebay this past year, and other than one really good sale did very poorly and wasted my money. Oh, I can't stand wasting money!! Anyway, with Ebay a person just "never knows" . It is a well-known place, and many go there every week, including myself, to see what is there. But over all I think I will place very few auctions there this coming year.
Opening a shop on Etsy was a very wise move. I started placing things there early in the summer. I had hesitated for a while because, well, to be honest there were things featured on the front page at times that I thought were quite inappropriate. I didn't like and still don't like that aspect about Etsy, but the more I got to know the site the less I felt it would impact my shop or anyone I sent there. I love the fact that it accepts the selling of vintage items (yes, a replacement for Ebay). It is quite reasonably priced as long as I resist the temptation to spend more than is necessary on relisting and showcases. I figured out the importance of doing "treasuries" (which are great fun), connecting with people in the forums, "hearting" people, etc. I learned what showcases are worthwhile and what showcases are definitely NOT worth the money through trial and error (and losing some money). I've met some fabulous people there and will stay there.
Lollishops is just over one year old, and it has been fun being a part of something new. It has had some bumps and many changes and adjustments over the past year. There were times I considered dropping off the bandwagon but, understanding Sadie's vision and seeing its potential, was determined to stick it. I'm so glad I have! At first I didn't like the change a few months ago to being basically a referral site, but now I love it. It offers exposure to a targeted crowd while simply referring any serious purchasers to my Etsy shop. This was a wise move on Sadie's part which I'm very satisfied with. Oh, and the price is exceptional. You just can't beat the monthly price for the exposure ratio. I love that there are regular advertising opportunities in well-known publications and other interesting exposure chances, like Silver Bella press kits, which I've taken advantage and could never afford on my own. It is nice that the front page always shows what I have newly listed and a featured item from my shop from time to time. I have actually sold things as a result of being on Lollishops' front page! Lollishops also allows the selling of vintage goodies which is an added plus. I think for me Lollishops has been well worth it, and I'll happily continue on this coming year.
I know my shop and ideas and budget are different from others, but I thought I'd share the wisdom gained from the past year. I hope this is a help to others who may be trying to make decisions for the upcoming year.
I've learned (the hard way) to be very exacting when listing something...hurrying with a description will incur mistakes. I've learned that Priority mail is just too expensive for little things like I have. I offer free shipping on everything (which I appreciate when purchasing from others), but Priority is just too much money. First class gets things where they need to go in a timely manner--and I always put a tracking # with each package. No one can then say their package never arrived.
I put several things on Ebay this past year, and other than one really good sale did very poorly and wasted my money. Oh, I can't stand wasting money!! Anyway, with Ebay a person just "never knows" . It is a well-known place, and many go there every week, including myself, to see what is there. But over all I think I will place very few auctions there this coming year.
Opening a shop on Etsy was a very wise move. I started placing things there early in the summer. I had hesitated for a while because, well, to be honest there were things featured on the front page at times that I thought were quite inappropriate. I didn't like and still don't like that aspect about Etsy, but the more I got to know the site the less I felt it would impact my shop or anyone I sent there. I love the fact that it accepts the selling of vintage items (yes, a replacement for Ebay). It is quite reasonably priced as long as I resist the temptation to spend more than is necessary on relisting and showcases. I figured out the importance of doing "treasuries" (which are great fun), connecting with people in the forums, "hearting" people, etc. I learned what showcases are worthwhile and what showcases are definitely NOT worth the money through trial and error (and losing some money). I've met some fabulous people there and will stay there.
Lollishops is just over one year old, and it has been fun being a part of something new. It has had some bumps and many changes and adjustments over the past year. There were times I considered dropping off the bandwagon but, understanding Sadie's vision and seeing its potential, was determined to stick it. I'm so glad I have! At first I didn't like the change a few months ago to being basically a referral site, but now I love it. It offers exposure to a targeted crowd while simply referring any serious purchasers to my Etsy shop. This was a wise move on Sadie's part which I'm very satisfied with. Oh, and the price is exceptional. You just can't beat the monthly price for the exposure ratio. I love that there are regular advertising opportunities in well-known publications and other interesting exposure chances, like Silver Bella press kits, which I've taken advantage and could never afford on my own. It is nice that the front page always shows what I have newly listed and a featured item from my shop from time to time. I have actually sold things as a result of being on Lollishops' front page! Lollishops also allows the selling of vintage goodies which is an added plus. I think for me Lollishops has been well worth it, and I'll happily continue on this coming year.
I know my shop and ideas and budget are different from others, but I thought I'd share the wisdom gained from the past year. I hope this is a help to others who may be trying to make decisions for the upcoming year.
Labels:
ebay,
Etsy,
Glass Bead Hobby,
glass bead treasures,
Lollishops
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
For the Love of Guilloche
Labels:
Etsy,
guilloche,
pink roses,
Pretty Things,
Roses
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snowflake Swap....
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Labels:
Snowflake Swap,
Swap
Friday, December 18, 2009
Yummy, Sugary, and Sweet Treasury
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Labels:
Etsy,
Glass Bead Hobby,
Treasury
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thank you, Pauline!
Labels:
Pretty Things,
teacups
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A Pretty Laundry Room--Now Completed
Labels:
Etsy,
Laundry Room,
Pretty Things,
Rose Cottage
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It Snowed and Blew...and he Still Came!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Snowflake Swap
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Here are the rules:
1) Must sign up by midnight December 21. International participants welcome.
2) Must email me at treasuresandtea@gmail.com with the following information: Name, mailing address, email address, blog address, and whether you mind swapping internationally. I will email you back a confirmation that I have received your info.
3) Swap box must include at least one snowflake item (napkins, ornament, candle, candy, etc.) and at least one handmade item (tag, pin, charm, ornament, ATC, dishcloth, etc.). Most if not all of the colors of the items must be "snow" colors--think silver, clear, shades of white, all shades of blue, glitter, crystal.
4) Swap partners will be emailed out on January 2 for the mailing of items by January 16. (Hey, there's nothing else going on in the middle of January--might as well do a swap!).
Now, one important thing about this swap is that I will not tolerate anyone who doesn't hold up their end of the deal. The last swap I participated in was terribly disappointing. I worked hard on my swap items, sent them off to my three partners, and didn't get anything in return from any of them! Please don't sign up for this if you are not serious about participating.
I will post about specific people who don't live up to their word, so please follow through.
Now, grab the button above to spread the word, add a link to this blog post, and let's have fun. Let it snow!
P.S. Snowflake paper above compliments of vintageholidaycrafts.com
Labels:
Snow,
Snowflake Swap,
Snowflakes
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mmmmm, Mint and Chocolate
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Labels:
chocolate,
Etsy,
Glass Bead Hobby,
mint,
Treasury
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Perfume Bottles and Romantic Homes Magazine
Well, the January 2010 issue of "Romantic Homes" arrived, and I've already read through the whole thing. I couldn't help it. There is a must-see article about the home of one of the Layla-Grace co-founders, Wendy Estes, (the ornate white-with-pink-kissed-roses dresser is WAY, WAY beyond gorgeous), and there was a little article about perfume bottles. How can one resist an article about perfume bottles?
First, in the picture above, is the decorative glass "tray" that I have on my dresser. I don't use the things on it. It is basically just for decoration. I like the labels and the shapes and think it is romantic in every way.
Labels:
Crowns,
Etsy,
hearts,
paris,
perfume,
perfume label,
pink roses,
Pretty Things,
Romantic Homes Magazine,
Roses,
Shabby Chic
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thank you, Jerre!
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