10.21.2010

Dear Etsy, I Hope We Can Be Friends.

About a year ago, I started to realize that making things at home (in between playing with my kids or cleaning up the kitchen) really added to the joy I have in being home everyday. I feel so blessed not only to be ABLE to stay home, but also to have JOY in being at home. And then to think (learn) that I have the freedom to enjoy being creative at home....well, it's like a big 'ole cherry on top.

Last year, I began to set aside Thursdays for "crafting" something....I still had to dress the kids, and feed everyone, etc., but I usually didn't clean a lot or run lots of errands. This new-found habit got me thinking about trying to do one thing well (instead of a million ideas tried once). Designing cards, prints, etc. seemed to be where I landed (probably b/c it involves a computer and not sewing machines and scissors strung out around the babies). I have had so much fun learning new things, setting goals (with really lax time lines), and seeing fruit from the work. I've even gotten to design three shower invitations this year!

My idea for designing prints was specifically born out of a combination of my love for the look of typography, and my difficulties in finding prints that were encouraging or pointed me to truth. (I need a DRAW NEAR print in every room at my house!!) Though some are just for fun, I hope that they would always direct people to truth or create a warm & hospitable home (Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Rom 12:13)






Soooo...I've now listed a few prints in an Etsy shop, and I'll have another round of products in there very soon (can you guess what they are??). I really have no idea what I'm doing (I'm not very business-minded!), but it is very gratifying just to follow through with something that seemed fun! You can check out my shop here.

Now I have a request....

Will you please leave a comment if you read this and tell me which one you like (or love...or might consider putting on your wall...)? You can pick from this post or the ones in the shop. I will randomly pick a commenter to receive any print of choice for free if you do:). And, come on...there's not very many of you, so you have a good chance. Comments close on Monday evening at 6pm EST.

Thanks so much for reading! I mean it.

26 comments:

  1. laura,
    this post is not just to try to win one of your sweet designs...;)

    your post made me think of a quote i saw recently that said "stop staring and sew". i think it's great that you are setting aside time and creating things.

    i like your "i'll go any where with you" print. i've been looking for vinyl birds like those to put around the upper windows in my living room...i saw them on etsy, but...expensive!

    much love

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  2. Love it! My favorite is the Home Sweet Home one with the yellow background. They're all lovely though and you're inspiring me. ;)

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  3. I normally am not a big commenter, but since you asked so nicely. They are all so beautiful. I really like the Draw Near, but I think the Be Thankful is my fav.

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  4. I love all of them, but like you, I really need a constant reminder to draw near to Jesus. I think that would be my top pick. And you do this so beautifully! They really are awesome.

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  5. Laura, I love them all! I really like the (white) I'll go anywhere with you one. And also the Be Thankful.

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  6. The I'll go anywhere with you is amazing. Your so creative. I'm so thankful to call you a friend :)

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  7. Laura, these are amazing! You are so talented. I love the "home sweet home" one. I'm going to post about your etsy shop on my blog!

    Conner

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  8. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for using it so effectively. I like all of them.

    Please enter me in the drawing.

    Your husband

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  9. I am so excited for you! They are all super cute. I think maybe my favorite is the last one.

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  10. Laura, "Be Thankful" is my favorite! So happy you are putting more stuff in your shop.

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  11. Oh I like them all they are so cute. Do you have the Home sweet home one in your bedroom? I think I saw it and I was going to ask you where you got it. I like East TN one. And the I would go anywhere with you. Love them all.

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  12. Congratulations! I really like "Draw Near" and "Home Sweet Home."

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  13. laura, it totally makes sense that you would start doing this. i hope you love it. my favorite is the "home sweet home"

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  14. you mean i have to pick just one! lol - i don't want to win anything, just want to tell you that i'm impressed with your stuff :D i love you, friend and hope you do well. i specifically like the one with the birds that says "be thankful" :D love you!

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  15. I think I need a Be Thankful in every room!!! They all look so great and crisp! Great work Larua:)

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  16. Congrats on taking a creative endeavor and pursuing it! I love the posters...what lovely gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season!

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  17. ah! i love them all! this has very much inspired me to want to be creative so thank you! seriously love them all, but my favoritest of favorites is "ill go anywhere with you". so romantic yet warm and inviting...love!

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  18. Laura these look great. I'm so impressed. I hope other people enjoy them in their home as much as I've enjoyed the way you've put these little reminders around yours. My favorite is the "You Have Done Wonderful Things" one, mainly because I'm a sucker for yellow, grey and owls. They all look great though. I hope lots of people enjoy them! Thanks for encouraging us with your designs and for encouraging me specifically to design.

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  19. Good for you for being intentional about being creative. I love the "Be Thankful" design

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  20. Laura, I love them all. I love that you are creative and talented (being neither of those things I really appreciate it in others) You don't have to enter me in the drawing- it might even be too late. I just wanted to say they are great.

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  21. Congratulations on your new venture! I LOVE them all...but my very favorite is the "be thankful"!
    Many Blessings!
    Jill

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  22. Sorry if I double posted, I don't think it went through the first time.
    I love them all! What a gift u have!
    My fav is I'll go anywhere with u and next is be thankful
    Cant wait to seem more!!!

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  23. Personally, I like the "Be Thankful" one and the 1st "Draw Near" one the best....helpful reminders for me! I'm so excited you are posting on ETSY and that your diligence has borne fruit!

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  24. All have such BEAUTIFUL words. I would hang "Draw Near" proudly on my wall. A good reminder each morning I wake up to draw near to the Lord! :) Way to spread the word Laura!!!

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  25. So adorable! I like the "Be Thankful" and "Home Sweet Home" designs. Oh, and if your husband happens to win this contest, I think I'll have to drive to your house and steal it away! :)

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  26. i think i will have to go with the one from isaiah. such hopeful words. i love that you are making these. i just love it.

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