today we celebrate!!
and any proper celebration includes party favors. amiright?
but first, i have a few things to say :)
just over one year ago some tweets turned into text messages and emails.
plans were being made for
a girlfriend trip to lake placid. it felt frivolous and
completely impossible. we were neck deep in hectic schedules, little sleep, lots of stress and had skimpy bank accounts. last summer was
hard. the last few have been, really.
anyway.
i mentioned the hope of going, to my husband, mostly just to speak it out loud. so i could just get over the disappointment of it not happening for me. he said something like, "well of course you're going, we'll make it work. you need to do it!"
and i just knew, the lord would pave the way.
because god cares about our hearts and our need for fellowship. he loves weaving friendships through his kingdom. getting together with those girlfriends was something my soul needed. but how would he land me in lake placid?
long story short, after encouragement from friends to
just do it. i did it. i opened
my etsy shop. i'd never made jewelry in my life and i wasn't very confident. i'd made 27 pairs of earrings, and prayed that i would sell them all by september of last year. i prayed that god would help me sell to make up the extra money i needed to get to lake placid and help me to be content if it didn't work out.
that's the first pair of earrings i sold last may.
and i've sold over 600 pieces of jewelry on
etsy since then and more for multiple special events.
what the heck? is this real life? it is real life. and it's all by the grace of jesus. every single spec of my shop is because of him and for his glory. i have been able to take on extra missionary support AND pay for car repairs, groceries, doctors, clothes for my growing kiddo AND
i booked a trip for my husband to attend
this conference. AND i am going on
another girlfriend trip in august. holla!
p r a i s e j e s u s
he knew we needed this shop, more than i did!
the time i spend dreaming up designs and color combos, putting together necklaces and inspecting beads for imperfections, decorating packages with washi tape, praying for the people who buy from me...that time is good. it's peaceful and productive. and often, it's a time of worship. god gave me any bit of sense i have, and what a treat to praise him by actually using my gifts.
now i order boxes, jewelry supplies and business cards in bulk. i never ever saw that coming.
i am still not sure i know what i'm doing all the time. but i'm learning more and more, and i've met so many darling folks through this adventure. the support of friends means so much, but many customers from all over the world! have bought from me and don't know me at all. and? the support of fellow handmade shop owners. what a delightful community!!!
thank you.
from the bottom of my sentimental heart, thank you for supporting handmade. thank you for supporting me and my family.
as a tiny way to show my appreciation for you:
may 22 and 23 you can
save 25% off everything in the shop with code CELEBRATE
use code HAPPYDAYS for 30% until midnight central may 23!
including the
sale section-which you'll want to visit, because a few items are priced low
just for this celebration :)
that makes for some super sweet deals, y'all!
stop by
facebook and
instagram because i'll be doing some little giveaways and perhaps a flash deal or two :)
plus:
mini white gems are no longer available! new freebie, while they last:
this little cutie comes free with any purchase.
one per customer, while they last :)
just mention at checkout that you want the freebie!
no longer available
use code HAPPYDAYS for 30% until midnight central may 23!
all items packaged together. if you require separate boxes, let me know at checkout!
i bet there's plenty of gift buying you could take care of with this sale!
be sure to pick up a treat for yourself, too :)
i just really love you all. xoxo!
i will sing to the lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me! psalm 13:6
p.s. the newest addition to the
give back section:
i'm so grieved for the precious souls affected by the recent oklahoma tornado. in addition to prayers, you can help give!
i have a small way to help as well: