Be Inspired By Hearts

Well, I am not usually a big fan of Valentine's Day (My birthday is the next day, so I am usually more interested in that). I am not the mushy type and I am kind of from the school of let someone know you love them everyday and not just once a year. My dh usually provides the requisite card, chocolates and flowers, but today I have really been feeling the love. Not only did I wake up to a sweet card from my boys, and a great card from my dh which actually serenaded me with the song "Ain't No Woman like the One I Got" (you gotta love the singing card). I also got a big heart box of chocolates, so coffee and chocolates it was for breakfast (and lunch! and an afternoon snack). Then when I checked Etsy, my pear pendant was on the front page and it netted me 58 hearts and 2 sales!!! 58 hearts in one day is definitely a record for me and I am really feeling the love. While I do love sales, it is still exciting to know that someone likes and appreciates your work, even if they don't buy something it's still an acknowledgement, so hearts actually do mean a lot. I just broke 3500 hearts earlier this week which kind of blew my mind. So.....since I am feeling the love, I wanted to share a little with everyone else. Here are some inspiring heart items I found on Etsy. I personally heart them all!

































































Even though Valentine's is almost over, take a little time to incorporate a little heart into your work this week and share the love!

Happy Valentines Day! If only I could send chocolate by e-mail!! I guess these pics will have to do!















Artist credits:
I heart Ninja Robot cup by Danmade.etsy.com
a valentines black heart mini plush by batteriesnotincluded.etsy.com
Pink Hearts on Chocolate Brown Felted Ankle Booties by prettylittle.etsy.com
Would You Love me Ring by me (blockpartypress.etsy)
Hearts and Love strapless top by spiderlilyclothing.etsy.com
Valentine CupKozy by cupkozy.etsy.com
Valentine bracelet by huntersdesigns.etsy.com
I've Got Something to Say Print by BrowningtonForest.etsy.com

Tooting My Horn

I have had a pretty good week and I have hit some milestones in my etsy shop, so I thought I would take a little time to toot my own horn. I think many artists forget to celebrate the milestones, plus I would love to inspire someone else to take the plunge and start selling their artwork . I have celebrated most of my milestones silently, but today I feel like shouting! I hit and surpassed my 400th sale on Etsy this week, today I just got my 1500th heart and I was featured in my 300th treasury list.
You have no idea how amazed and proud I am. When I started this little venture last September, I never thought I would have this much success. Not only have I had great sales, but I have met incredible people, been featured on several blogs, asked to contribute to 2 books, shipped my items to over 10 different countries, and most important, I've been able to create to my hearts content while contributing to my family's income. Etsy has really added to the quality of my life, and I just can't say enough about the opportunities that it has afforded me and my family! Thanks Etsy! I would also like to take some time to thank my customers and all of the wonderful supportive artists on Etsy and the PCAGOE!

I was also was named "The Craftiest Bastard of the Week" in the Washington City Paper!
The paper offers free ads and chooses one artist/crafter from the ads to be the "Craftiest Bastard". You get a color ad in the paper, a mention on their blog, and mention on the craft classifieds web page. I never thought being called a bastard could be so great!

If you are interested in placing an Ad, they are free and even though it is a Washington, DC paper, they do have a web presence, and people in DC do shop on the internet! The cool thing is that it is focused on art and craft, so people who see your ad will be looking for handmade items, plus it's FREE! (And no, they aren't paying me to advertise! )

So, now I am done tooting, but I really hope I have inspired someone else to take the plunge and get their art out there for everyone to enjoy. Maybe if they see what I have been able to do with very little start-up money, no formal training, and not a ton of business or computer experience, they will give it a try too.