Black Friday, Cyber Monday and more

I would like to start off this post with the announcement of my first ever Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale.

****In my my Etsy shop all handmade items (Christmas cards, tags, and pre-made scrapbook pages) are part of my BOGO SALE. Buy any one item and receive a second of equal or lesser value FREE.
All listed scrapbook supplies are also on sale, they are all 20% off.

****In the ebay store all commercial cards are part of the BOGO SALE. These cards will no longer be listed after this sale until next year so be sure to grab them now!
Also like the Etsy shop all other supplies are 20% off.

These sales are on now til 11:59 p.m. pst December 1st

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On a completely different note, I had a great Mommy experience today. For the first time ever I spent time helping in Trevors classroom. I didn't get a chance when he was in kindergarten because of the other kids I was watching, this year with Rory home I was able to go. What a great time I had. I went with the expectation that I would be helping the teacher help the kids so I was a little surprised to find myself filing for the teacher but actually it was a blessing because I was able to listen to all going on.
The one shock I had was the lock down drill. it was the first one of the year so the kids were quite confused.
Oh what a different world we live in from when I was in school. I get why we have it but being a part of it really made me mad, to think these kids grow up thinking this is something normal.

The Christmas season is now in full swing around here and the kids have their first Christmas party on Sunday so I am really excited. I keep asking Brendan what he is going to ask Santa for for Christmas, the answer is always "a little present", I have no idea what this means but I am determined to find out!

So hopefully the lights go up this weekend, Trev has a birthday party and the Christmas party, and I am hoping this sale noted above has me hoping off my feet.

Cheers

Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends.
Have a truly happy turkey day!

The Christmas to do list

I know for many of you Christmas planning is still a few days away with Thanksgiving the main focal point but for me it is time to put together the lists.

I don't know if I would ever get anything accomplished if I didn't sit down each morning and make my daily to do list, well the same goes for Christmas but to a much bigger degree. So I plan today (it's actually on my to do list for the day) to sit down and make the Christmas to do list. What gifts I plan for everyone, what kind of food to plan this year (I like to try something new every year and still stay with the traditional), when to decorate, what clothes the kids need, what our family donation will be and so on.

Once the to do list is done (it's never done until boxing day) I will be posting it here. I am thinking if I make it public than my procrastination won't take over on the cold and rainy nights.

Cheers

Wow when Rory gets focused on something.....

He just doesn't stop. Today he was determined to make our elf Christmas greeting. He fell in love with this last year and has been on the computer all day (except while the Grey Cup was on, Canadas version of the Superbowl), mixing different photos and well... honestly I don't know what he was doing!

Anyway this is the end result, I have never uploaded anything like this to my blog so I hope it works. If you click on the photo (please come back for the rest of the post) I am hoping our crazy family will start dancing for you, and yes that's the dog with sunglasses on. Ror was in a weird mood today which should also explain his facial expression.

On a completely different note I too was a little creative this weekend. I am working on my first brag book and I am really not sure what I think of it.

Here are some pics of the process

Can't work without the coffee!

I am hoping to have this finished tomorrow but not sure if I will find the time. We have a showing for the house (fingers, toes, and nose crossed) and I have some custom work that needs to be completed tomorrow before anything else. So we'll see!

That's it for me today

Cheers

Holiday EtsyFest - mark your calendars!!!

Who?

200 current etsy sellers have united to offer shoppers exclusive sales from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday (Nov 27-Dec 1)

When? from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday (Nov 27-Dec 1)

Where?individual shops on etsysale blog: http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-shopping-guide-sale.html

Bath and Beauty/Hair:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/etsyfest-bath-and-beauty-and-hair.html

Children and Baby:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-children-and-baby.html

Clothing/Bags/Purses:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-clothing-and-purses.html

Eclectic Gift Shops:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-eclectic-variety-of.html

Fine Art/Photography/Ceramics/Home:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-fine-art-ceramics.html

Jewelry:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-jewelry-gifts_16.html

Knitting/Crochet/Fiber Arts:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-jewelry-gifts_16.html

Paper Goods:http://heatherknitzgiveaways.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-etsyfest-paper-goods-and.html

-----------------------Happy Shopping!

I was able to get some creative things done yesterday

I just listed some new Christmas cards on Etsy this morning. I am so happy because this has been on my to do list forever and I haven't been able to find the hours in the day.
The rest of the day will be spent on some custom Christmas cards and the brag books.
So here they are:

True BOGO Sale for commercial cards

Many of the cards I have listed in my ebay store are going to end today, within 4 hours or so. I will not be re-listing these cards as they end because it is getting too late in the season. So I have decided to have a true BOGO sale. Buy 1 get 1 free. You can mix and match the designs. This is a great deal so be sure to take advantage before they end for the season!

Here is the link
http://stores.ebay.com/Grove-Designs-Company
simply click on Christmas cards to see the great designs

Cheers

I have decided to take the plunge!

I made the decision last night to go forward with a company website. I have found that I have been stressing over the Etsy, ebay question for too long and it is time to take the plunge.

As I noted in previous posts I was uncertain whether to do this or not due to the economy but I am hoping that by the time I get the site up and running the economy will have taken a bit of a turn in the right direction. Probably a little bit of wishful thinking but that is my new mantra these days, positive thinking will evolve into positive results, here's hoping :)

Anyway the plan is to finish all of my Christmas card designs today and tomorrow, I am also working on some photo brag books, once I have done this I will start to focus on the new website.

A fine line for sure!

I really started thinking last night about how easily we can turn our kids into greedy monsters. I wouldn't even say it's their fault either.

When discussing their Christmas lists recently I was surprised about how Trevor just expected that no matter how much was written on the list that he would receive it all. Is this his fault?, I don't think so, for the first 6 years of his life we have wanted to give him all we could that in fact we have given him everything he's wanted.

How does one learn that they are lucky or to be greatful?

I have been trying really hard lately to explain this but it just seems to be falling on deaf ears. My husband does not believe they need to be exposed to the concept of money yet, I fiercely disagree. Rory believes that children do not need this worry. However when Trevor asked why he had to pick between soccer, hockey, baseball, bowling and swimming, the only answer I could think of was that they all cost a lot of money and we can't afford for you to do them all.

I don' t know maybe I am just rambling about nothing, but the last thing I want is to raise greedy children. Is he too young to understand all this, will he grow into it, or is this something that I should be emphasizing about as much as possible. Anybody reading this that has gone through this or understands what I am speaking of your words of wisdom would be very appreciated!! >At the bottom of this blog I have a poll I would really love if you could participate in. I am trying to determine what types of greeting cards I should concentrate on more.

Cute

Traditional

Non-Traditional

Handcrafted

Thanks for taking part, it will really help me in making decisions for next year.

Cheers.

Hit by the Christmas bug!!! Can I be Martha Stewart this year?

Last month I posted about how Christmas seems to be arriving earlier and earlier every year. I was upset about this but it seems now I have been hit by the Christmas bug. I find myself throughout the day singing Christmas carols and can't wait until I can decorate the house.

Every year I have these grandious plans to be the Martha Stewart of Langley. I want to have the most elaborate decorations, the biggest most beautiful tree, and little fairies dancing around the house, ok just kidding, but I think you get the idea.

Well what happens, life! I never find the time to complete all projects, or I take on too much and don't finish the projects like I want them to be.

So here's what I did today. I signed up for the Martha Stewart Christmas workshop, this starts today www.marthastewart.com , apparently this is supposed to help organize me.

So will it happen?, well I don't know, but maybe this year I can get a little closer to my Martha Stewart Christmas, or I will again just be satisfied with happy kids, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Cheers

Wow the talent on Etsy is mind blowing!!

As the title states the talent on Etsy is mind blowing. I put out an offer for Etsy shop owners to be featured on my blog and the response was incredible!


I decided to make this a Christmas gift feature with quite a number of different items and shops. I wasn't able to include all simply because my fingers would fire me for all the typing but I have to say that every shop that responded was amazing!

So let's get started, hoping that you will be able to find that perfect Christmas gift from one of these sellers.

HammelmanArt - http://www.hammelmanart.etsy.com/

This shop includes a wonderful selection of watercolor paintings. Florals, Abstracts, Land & Sea, and much more.

They are currently have a great sale. If you purchase anything in their Holiday Gift section you will receive another item of equal or lesser value FREE.

Here is one example of the beautiful work in the shop.

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Just Add Charm - http://www.justaddcharm.etsy.com/

Well if I had girls I would be spending a ton of money in this shop. Since I wasn't allowed to cut my hair until I was 12 you can imagine just how many ponytail holders I have worn. These are by far the sweetest I have ever seen. These would make a great stocking stuffer for sure!

This shop is also offering free shipping for all orders over $20.

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AlloverArt - http://www.alloverart.etsy.com/

This shop features oil paintings, pet portraits, pendants and more.

The pendants really struck me, simply beautiful and a great selection.

Here is my favorite. Be sure to check out the shop as they have many different designs.

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Treeartist - http://www.treeartist.etsy.com/

When I came across this shop I fell in love with the paintings, they are so unique and really vibrant. I was quite happy to see that the artist was just down the highway from me. I love supporting local business.

Currently they are offering free shipping on all purchases till November 30th.

Check out these wonderful paintings

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Across the Pond Designs - http://www.acrossthepond.etsy.com/

This shop has something that I have never seen before and I think it is the greatest idea. Perfect gift for the person who has everything.

It is a wooden locket that you can do so much with, here are some examples from the artist

Some ideas for using your locket:

-Use index prints from your photo processing

-Print tiny pictures from your own computer

-Type up your favorite quotes

-Put inspirational messages that you can look at throughout the day
-Collage a tiny little scene

-Scan and reduce a love note from your favorite person

Here is my favorite

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Once Upon a Box - http://www.onceuponabox.etsy.com/

Here is another very talented shop owner. The quality of the work looks outstanding and the originality is superb.

If you are a butterfly or cat lover this is one shop you don't want to miss

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Dreamin of Beadin - http://www.dreaminofbeadin.etsy.com/

There isn't much to say about this shop because the pictures speak volumes. Stunning work for sure. I can't imagine any woman on your list that you couldn't find that perfect gift for.

This shop is also having a great sale, Free earrings with a minimum $20 purchase. Please check with the store for further information on this sale.

Again my favorite:

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Bancroft Studios - http://www.brookepickering.etsy.com/

One look at the dinnerwear available in the shop and I'll bet you' ll be in love. I know I was.

All of the pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe. Currently they are offering nautical or hydrangea designs, however you can visit http://www.bancroftstudios.com/ for other designs as well.

This piece is beautiful!

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Jillian Haupt & Co - http://www.jillianhaupt.etsy.com/

If you have a princess or cupcake in your life then definitely stop by this shop. The items for sale are just so sweet that every little one should have something special like this.

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Tias - http://www.tias.etsy.com/

Are you looking for a ring that is truly unique to you or for that someone special on your shopping list. Well look no further. The rings available in this shop are stunning. Stop by an take a look, so many different colors!

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Covetables - http://www.covetables.etsy.com/

This is the description on their front page and I think it describes their inventory wonderfully.

Welcome! To the home of lovable, huggable, joyful, covetable toys, dolls, craft kits, t'shirts and more!

There isn't one item in their shop that isn't really sweet, this below just happens to be my favorite

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Wimzee - http://www.cmu55@etsy.com/

Ok doesn't every little girl deserve a strawberry hat. I think they all do, or maybe an acorn hat, cupcake hat etc. The items available here are so much fun. I mean really Mary Jane booties, awesome!

Take a look at these pics, just two of the sweet items currently for sale.

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Ok so finally I was dared by a fellow shopowner to feature their shop. Well I never step down from a dare, lol. I do not wish to add pictures but another shop to visit on Etsy is:

http://www.naughtyknits.etsy.com/ (be warned they disclose mature items on their pictures)

Happy shopping everyone, only 39 sleeps til Christmas

Cheers

Free shipping on all Christmas cards, ebay or etsy

I have decided to offer free shipping on all Christmas card orders that come via my blog. These can be commercial cards offered at my ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/Grove-Designs-Company or handmade cards offered at my Etsy store http://www.kriskropmemories.etsy.com/

Combine this with the buy 3 get 1 free sale on now until the end of November and you are definitely getting a great deal.

The free shipping is going to be offered this weekend only Nov 15 - 16th, simply quote "blog" in the comments section and I will ship your items for free!

**For non-US buyers please note this will equal a $4.95 discount and not $0 shipping**

I will be featuring a few Etsy shops later today and tomorrow as well.

Til then

Cheers

Celebrating my Dad

Even as a child I knew how lucky I was to have my Dad. He made it obvious everyday just how important we were. He was the coach of my ball team, took me to bowling and watched every Saturday. He was just there always and made it very visible to all that his family was the most important thing in the world.

When we found out in 2003 that he was sick it was a terrible shock. He had just turned 50 and my parents had the whole world ahead of them. Both their kids were out on their own and it was time now for my Dad to minimize his work load and travel. So you can imagine a lung cancer diagnosis was very unexpected (I guess it would always be no matter the circumstances).

My Dad had smoked almost his entire life, started when he was 14, but he did quit a couple years before finding out he was sick. His sister had passed away from lung cancer and he then decided it was time for him to quit as well.

I tried to stay positive the entire time he was ill, not sure if I was just trying to kid myself that all would be ok, I mean the man was only 50 this didn't make sense. When my oldest was born Rory and I were so happy for him that he would have all 4 grandparents because neither Rory or I did. I did imagine that Rorys Dad wouldn't be with us long just because of his age, he was 75 when Trevor was born but my Dad was 47 when Trev was born, I could actually picture my parents at Trevors wedding. I was also trying to stay positive for my Mom, you can imagine she was a mess, I mean her and Dad had been together since she was 13, he was her life without doubt.

But through all the illness and all the pain he still managed to show us just how important we were to him. He kept up with all the family traditions, tried his very best to do all he could, and instead of getting depressed (not that he didn't a bit, he was very scared) he still was an active member of the family. I know he did this mostly for Trevor, he was so proud to be a grandparent, and a BOY, oh my, he loved his girls no doubt, but someone that would play hockey, shoot pool, and all those boy things his girls didn't do, he was in heaven with the thought of the future.

In late 2004 we found out I was pregnant with our second son, Dad was getting pretty sick at this point, and I guarantee that one of the only things that kept him going was to meet his newest grandson. In May my Dad became so ill that after being admitted to the hospital we were advised to get the priest and say our goodbyes, Dad was a little mad that we didn't have more faith in him, lol, he pulled through that and was able to make it to the hospital 6 weeks later to meet his grandson. I was so proud of my Dad, Brendan was very small when he was born so he was admitted to NICU, instead of waiting for us to bring him home, my Dad packed up the wheelchair and oxygen tanks and was there the day he was born.

My Dad did not want to die in a hospital. We had a hospital bed moved into my parents room and the home care nurse would come by and administer his morphine.
November 14th, my sister, Mom, Aunt ,Uncle, Rory, and the boys were all sitting down to dinner. My Dad had gone into a coma the day before. My Mom didn't want him left alone so Tracy (sister) and I took shifts being with my Dad, it was a great time because I could say a lot of the things I had wanted to say but just couldn't before. On the night of the 14th we had convinced my Mom to sit down with us all and have dinner, I think she was on the verge of a breakdown. She listened (that doesn't happen often, lol) and we were all enjoying dinner, then Trev decided he wanted nothing to do with dinner, could he watch a movie. My sister got up to put a movie on for him when my Mom asked her to check in on my Dad......well I am so thankful that my sister got up at that time because he was leaving us and we would have missed it,missed saying goodbye. He never did open his eyes again but he was trying to say something, unfortunately it wasn't understandable. In just a few minutes he was gone. At 53 he was gone.

Three years ago today my Dad passed away. I can tell you I have learned a lot through this, but without a doubt the most important lesson is to value everyday and make the most out of your life now because none of us knows whats around the corner!

Tonight my Mom and I are off to celebrate my Dad, not sure what the plan is but I am sure it will include a toast to his wonderful life and what he brought to ours.
Love you Dad!

Unique Woman in Business group

I have recently joined a new group called Unique-women in business, http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Unique-women-in-buisness/ ,
it has proven to be a great resource of information. Advertising ideas, the newest on-line places to sell, customer relation issues and more. So if you are a unique women in business be sure to check it out.

Cheers

Really neglecting my ebay store

I have been so impressed with Etsy that I have unfortunately been neglecting my ebay store. I need a few more hours in a day (like 10) to manage all going on.

I am having a sale right now at my ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/Grove-Designs-Company on until November 30th. I carry a large selection of commercial Holiday Greeting cards and currently if you buy 3 you will get 1 free.

Here are some samples of the cards that are available:

Of course if it's handmade greeting cards you would prefer be sure to check out my Etsy store, http://www.kriskropmemories.etsy.com/

Cheers

Clean up and decision day

As the title states today is clean up and decision day. What does that mean? Well I have a few custom jobs that I will be focusing on today until they are done and ready to go. Then I need to make a few decisions regarding the direction of my business.

A custom scrapbook, I have finished 16 of the 20 pages so this should not be a problem completing today. As well I will be working on 50 poinsettias for the 50 custom photo cards I need to get completed. Still awaiting the photo though so I do have a bit of time for this one. I would like to however have everything ready to go when the photos do arrive.

So that's the clean up now it's time for the decisions.
Currently I have both an ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/Grove-Designs-Company , and an Etsy shop www.kriskropmemories.etsy.com .
I carry scrapbooking supplies and Christmas cards in my ebay store and handmade Christmas cards, tags, scrapbook pre-mades and more in my Etsy shop. Do I continue with both or start my own website where all is included in one area. This was the goal in the first place but now with the economy in the state it is I am not sure that this is the best time to open and pay for a website. My business can handle it financially but I just don't know if this will be the most beneficial time to start such and endevour.

Anyway with the kids back in school today I am hoping I can complete most on my to do list.
Then if all goes as planned I am hoping to sit down tonight and get some personal scrapping done, the boys books definitely need some updating.

Cheers.

A day to remember

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae

I don't think much needs to be said today, simply remember and be thankful for all they did for us and continue to do.

Still feels like the weekend :)

With Remembrance day tomorrow a lot of people took today off instead of tomorrow, including the kids. Actually they get both days off, today is a design day at school (still haven't figured out what that is but it is a day off for the kids).

Yesterday I took the kids to Captain kids, they had such a blast. It is so nice to be able to get some of their energy out even when it is pouring outside.

This fireslide is huge, not sure if the picture does it justice

While we were there my Mom phoned and asked if she could take the kids to a movie and have a sleepover, well not much thought there, a night out with my husband and no kids. Don't get me wrong, love my kids to pieces but getting to feel like a grown-up without responsibility can be fun too :)

They went to Madagascar 2 and apparently loved it, may have to buy this one as I too wanted to see it, I just love the giraffe!

So with a night to ourselves we decided to go for dinner and check out one of the new casinos in town. We were a little bored and were actually home by 11, gone are the days when we would walk in around 4 a.m. This was Brendans first sleepover at Grandmas, he is a little tired today but it seems like he had a great time

I have listed a few more Christmas cards and I am hoping to get a few more done today. Love if you took a look.

www.kriskropmemories.etsy.com

Cheers

Really scary day yesterday....and great new Etsy shops

I slept in yesterday (I received a call from my sister at 1 a.m. asking if I would please pick her up, her and her boyfriend had consumed a little too much alcohol at a concert, even though she was 45 minutes away I am glad she was responsible enough to call!), when I woke up Trevor was complaining of a terrible headache.

Rory had to go run some errands so basically the boys and I were just lounging around on a terrible rainy day. A perfect Saturday in my opinion (without the headache of course).

Then we received a call and a little panic set in. My Mom had heard that a townhouse complex on 208th street had exploded, both my sister and Rorys sister live in a townhouse complex on 208th so you can imagine the panic.

After getting through to them both we found out the complex between them was the one with the explosion. Somebody was moving out and was left a gift at their door. A pretty pink package, when he brought it into his house it exploded, not something that happens in our area EVER.

The police were looking for more bombs and haven't advised if this is a targeted thing or a random thing, I only live 1 block over myself so I am hoping this is a one time thing for sure. Anyway truly weird day for our quiet neighbourhood.

Trevor felt better which was good but it was still an inside day for us. Football games and hockey games took over the day. Hoping to get out today to make up for a complete inside day yesterday.

I also found some great Etsy shops yesterday that I would like to feature and I was able to put together a few more Christmas cards for my own shop.

Take a look at this sweet shop, I absolutely fell in love with the bears, but the cow oh my

Littlegreenshoots shop is wonderful, take a look and see if you can resist these wonderful creatures.

This next seller does something I have tried and tried but can never manage to do. Mosaics. I love the look of mosaics and these ones in Mashed Potatoes Mosaics are simply stunning.

A few of my personal favorites are these below, but there are many more stunning examples at the shop.

Finally I couldn't finish this post without showcasing this gingerbread house. You can find it in Wonderworks shop. A truly amazing piece! If you love miniatures be sure to check out the rest of the shop, wonderful work for sure!

I too was busy at work and have listed some more new items in my shop. I am hoping to post more every day so I would love it if you stopped by to take a look.

Santa Claus Christmas card
Christmas tree tags

Cheers, happy Etsy shopping :)