High Five to Pear Creek Cottage

Sometimes, in the course of life, one needs to stop and review.  I've recently done this with my online shop.  I've reviewed where I started, when I first opened my "virtual doors" on March 7, 2010 until now, the end of 2018.  There have been many victories and rewards, as well as harder learning experiences that have added to my personal character as well as business growth.

I was encouraged on the first day of opening my shop, with only 7 items in inventory;  I had my first sale.  My son, Peter who at the time was active duty Air Force, purchased one of my needle felt sheep.

True to his nature, he is an encourager and loves to lift people's spirits.  When he purchased one of my needle felt sheep,  and later pinned it on his uniform, this Mama was overcome with a sense of pride in accomplishing a goal of launching my small business, as well as helping to launch my son out in the world.  And just like that, Pear Creek Cottage was launched into business.

We have the wonderful privilege of servicing so many different customers over the 9 years of business.  Some of our highlights include, Nordstrom's Department stores, The Food Network, Avon, Independent Scentsy Consultants, Many Military Families, Mother Earth News, Meredith Publishing, many churches and schools, and thousands of super, amazing people.

Recently, I joined a new service available to Etsy shop owners which allows shop owners to check their ranks amongst other shops, and see how well different listings are performing in comparison with like items.  Through this venue, I was able to find my ranking among other Etsy shops.  

"Cue drum roll, please" 

                               Congratulations!  

                                   🙌   👏   🎈      🎊     🎉                                                      PearCreekCottage is a Top 1% seller on Etsy.

..... among 1.9 million shops on Etsy,  Pear Creek Cottage ranks in the top 1% of sellers on Etsy.  Whoo Hoo!  Yahoo!  Celebrating going on!

Thank you to all my fabulous customers and friends who have helped me accomplish one of my goals. To have a successful small business which helps contribute to our family income.  I could not have done it without your support.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As I close out 2018 and prepare and strategize for 2019, my brain is buzzing with new ideas.  New products, new merchandising techniques, new, fresh photos and content.  As always, I am forever grateful and blessed that you are journeying with me.  Here's to a New Year together.

❤️Season of Giving ❤️

As I was pondering and wondering what would be a good topic to write about for this months blog, lots of different ideas came to mind, but nothing settled in the mind crevices with conviction.  After much mulling and mediating it hit me!  We are heading into the season of Giving!

The heart attitude of being grateful.  Grateful for not just what we have, but the deeper things like freedom to live and think as our convictions and values lead us.  There is so much division surrounding all our outlets.  I am wanting to share HOPE and JOY through the acts of being appreciative and grateful.

So, for this upcoming Season of Giving...I am challenging myself, and I challenge you as well, to participate in the popular practice of "Being Grateful".  Whether it is a daily post on you favorite social media site sharing what you are grateful for;  or a personal, more meditative journaling approach.  For me, I like the more personal approach with maybe a few sprinklings here and there on social media.  Instead of focusing on the negative, turning my focus on what is positive.  "What can I be grateful for through this circumstance"...kind of thinking.

Starting off, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I've had to pursue and profit from a long held dream of mine.  Owning a small business.  Being a "shop owner" was one of my favorite childhood games to play.  I liked organizing my stuffed animals and various toys to create a little store.  From those earlier childhood fantasies till now, I've always had a passion to encourage others.  I enjoy sharing my creative gifts and inspiring others to look within themselves to discover the hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered. 

I also enjoy sharing multiple ideas for one product; revealing a perspective that maybe the "customer" has not seen; an additional idea or thought which expands on the original intent for a new and creative idea.  For instance:  I enjoy working with my hands making mixed media art "ornaments".  These ornaments are not limited to hanging on a Christmas tree!  They can be used as bookmarks,  adornments in a kitchen, or a special charm on your favorite notebook, planner or journal.  Just a few additional thoughts to get you started on thinking of how you can use these art pieces.

Below are a few samplings of some of the art pieces I've made.  For more offerings of handmade gifts items for sale, click on this link.

Magnet Art Pumpkins

Inspirational Leaves

Inspirational Adornments

Magnet Leaves

If your love language leans towards "gift giving", Pear Creek Cottage has many sweet, affordable gifts just ready to bring joy and cheer to someone.  Adding to that special, unique gift is an added bonus.  Right now, through December these one of a kind items ship for FREE!  Handmade and FREE!  What a delight to share for this "Season of Giving"

Handmade Adornments

Pitcher Adornments

Fabric Pieced Magnetic Bears

Fabric Pieced Birds

Another thing that I am grateful for is YOU!  My readers.  My friends.  My family.  My customers.  The amazing relationships that have formed through the avenue of Pear Creek Cottage.  I am unable to fully express what it means for YOU to be in my life.  Each individual has planted seeds into my life garden.  Those seeds have been taking root in the forms of trust and belief, kindness and generosity.  Together, I am looking forward to what the New Year of journeying and working with YOU will offer.

Thank you for your continual support of Handmade and Shopping Small Business.  Maybe without realizing it, you are helping fulfill someones dreams...just like mine.  We all need each other.

                                  With much gratitude and thanks for all.

Perspective and Details

Lately, I've been doing a lot of reflection and processing about perspective.  The way I look at things.  The frame I use around the pictures in my mind.  I tend to lean toward the "All or Nothing" way of looking at things.  I am discovering how limiting this type of thinking is. 

For instance:  I snapped these photos when visiting my in-laws in Washington State.  It was a sunny, warm day.  Enjoying being outside, I happened to look down and see the tiny little flowers basking in the sun as well.  On first look, I did not see them.  Just dirt, and green, and kind of a blur of debris that had fallen from trees and bushes.  But with a sharper mind, and keen awareness of my surroundings, I started looking around with clearer vision, and behold saw these beauties smiling up at me.  I did not move at all when taking these two photos.  I remained in the same spot, however...my perspective changed as I was able to zoom in on the flowers.  I've kept this photo as a reminder to keep my perspective.  Keep an open heart to what is going on around me.  So, that I don't miss some special, unique opportunities that can be right in front of me.

Since this experience, I am trying to view things more purposefully and with intentionality.  My limited perspective does not give view to the whole story.  I see only partially.  But when I listen to others, and hear what their hearts are saying through the words they are using, and watching their micro facial expressions.  I can gain a greater, more complete picture of surroundings.

This practice of keeping my perspective open, is something that I am working on applying to my small online business as well.  After 8 plus years of selling on line, I am reviewing my photos, my words and descriptions in a different more rounded perspective.  Seeing how customers have used some of our products has given me different ideas of how the products can be used, that I was not able to see when I first listed the items.  So, the detail work begins.  The behind the scenes work that you may not see up front or in photos at first,...but slowly, and hopefully consistently, Pear Creek Cottage will be undergoing transformation.

I will be working on the details that most people won't see, but hopefully will make for a better shopping experience all around.  Perspective and Details are seen in these upcoming listings as well.  From layers of paint and paper, to splashes of color,  inspirational words, and finishing details make up these  Mini Message Magnets.

Start Each Day With A Grateful Heart

Free To Fly

Season Changes

Season Changes!  Not only are we going through a seasonal weather change from Summer to Fall, but my personal life is also going through a seasonal life change.

photocredit

As the  big, "6"-"0" approaches for me, and  has already captured my husband, Jerry...we are looking into what is next?  What is next for us as a couple?  What is next for Pear Creek Cottage?  What does the future hold fo us?  Lots of big and life altering questions.

We sure don't have all the answers.  Actually, I'm not sure we have any of the answers!  ha ha.  All that to say that often, my mind gets lost in the wondering.

shop now

During my pondering time, I took some time to stop and reflect over the 8 years of Pear Creek Cottage's existence.  It is amazing to look back and remember.  When I first opened I had a few items listed, most were needle felted items I handmade.  Slowly new items came into the shop and it began to morph into what it looks like today.  When I started selling felt shapes, I had no idea all the wonderful customers I would come in contact with.  Many of these customers have become dear friends.


May I introduce you to one such customer?  Her name is Beverly Grayson.  I met Beverly because she purchased our felt die cut stars.  Beverly crochets American Flags, state flags, and other countries flags.  Here are some photos of her beautiful work.  She even sent a flag to The President and First Lady, and received this hand addressed thank you note in return.

 What a gem she is!  I feel so honored to have met her and become friends with her.  Beverly shared a little of her story with me, which gave me more insight into the beautiful person she is.  Beverly was raised in an Army home.  Both of her parents served in the Army.  During the Vietnam War, Beverly, and her siblings lived with her grandmother.  It was there she learned how to crochet and sew.  As time marched on, and life faded away, Beverly had to say good-bye to 4 different family members within a very short amount of time.  Planning 3 separate military funerals for brothers, and parents.

She took up crocheting again as a way to bring healing to her heart and keep her mind and hands busy.  She began to crochet American flags as a way of honoring her family, and to begin healing from the ache of missing her family.  Beverly has added state flags, and even the Dallas Cowboys flags to her crocheted flags offerings.  She shared that she enjoys the excitement of seeing someone who receives her flags.  Beverly sells her flags on Facebook.  Here is a link to her  Facebook page, if you are interested in seeing more of her flags, and maybe ordering one for yourself!  Beverly Stivner Grayson

I just love this story!  To me it speaks of unity and compassion.  Neighbors carrying about each other. 

       "I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, 
                    and to the Republic for which it stands, 
      one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Thank you Beverly for allowing me to share your story, and for the opportunity to serve you by cutting stars...but mostly for your sweet friendship.

                                        The Magic Behind the Unicorns

I wanted to give a special "shout out" to my husband, Jerry, for all the help and support he has given to me since I started Pear Creek Cottage 8 years ago.

When we started this adventure, I had just completed over a decade of working for a corporation.  As with "corporate work", there were definitely ups and downs.  Major frustrations, a few "highs"...to help balance the "lows".

Jerry believed in me, right from the start.  He willingly supported the lack of income we received, while the business was being birthed and grown.  He was and still is my #1 moral support.  He believes in me and my dream...sometimes more than I believe in myself.

Here we are 8 years later, and we are working side by side in our small home business.  Neither one of us saw this coming, but when Jerry's company sold the part of the business where he worked, he was let go.

He has company while he cuts out shapes!  His favorite is John Wayne movies.  He has seen them so many times, he has them memorized I think!  :)

We teased each other, about him "working for me"...but low and behold, it has come to pass.  Well, he doesn't really work for me, but with me.  He has become an excellent die cutting apprentice!  Can I just let you know that he has been cutting felt unicorns for the whole month of June and beyond.  He has cut over 4000 unicorns!  Whoo hoo!

Taking a lunch/walk break along our lovely Santa Cruz Coastline

It may not seem the "manly man" thing to do, but yet there he is still cutting and stacking the unicorns all nice and neat as they await shipping out to customers.  His large fingers, delicately cradling the fragile unicorns as if they were a newborn babe.  Observing this, as I routinely work on filling orders, has brought a new surge of love and admiration for this man that I said; "I Do" to, over 39 years ago.




I just had to stop and share with you the importance of our love and commitment to each other.  Doing things for each other, even when we don't "feel" like it.  Placing each other as a priority.  Working together to achieve our goals.  Realizing anew, that we need each other.  We were not made to do this life alone.  God intends for us to live in joy, and in relationship.  Just as The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit live in community and relationship, we too are designed to live in relationship.


My joy level has risen as I see the care and love that Jerry displays by his actions.  The Magic behind the unicorns?  LOVE!!


 Together, we both are so grateful for your continued support of our small home business.  You are helping us as a family, and our THANKS is heartfelt and sincere.


Did you know that you can use our "White Wax Dipping Felt" shapes for more than dipping in wax!    Use your favorite markers, and color right onto the felt. Great for kids crafts or for your own personal muse.   Let your inner artist out!

Spring is Here...feeling GRATEFUL

 After a couple of bouts with sickness this past winter, my body and mind are rejoicing that it is Spring.  Winter felt long and hard.  I was forced to rest and care for my health, which isn't a bad thing. 

I am a doer.  A "go-getter".  A planner.  Sometimes, I don't know when to stop.  Thankfully, my Creator God, has allowed me to experience sickness in order to stop and rest, and regain health; as well as learning to be more grateful for the health I do have.

In between sleeping, and coughing, I had some moments where I had mini inspiring creative moments.  Wanting to work in my planners, and get them spruced up, I came up with some designs that would help me be more organized.

 Recently, I started embroidering again.  Using wool blend felt shapes, and acrylic felt shapes gives me a great "canvas" to practice my stitches on.

 Here are some pictures of projects that I worked on while recuperating.

Hand-stitched basket of flowers
journal notebook book band.

Travelers Notebooks (TN) book bands. Elastic bands stitched with
decorative wool felt shapes.

Jumbo paper clips with decorative fabric shapes.

Stitched rabbit journal notebook band.

 














Yesterday, I was able to go for a nice walk with my daughter and grandson.  As I was walking along, all of a sudden, I realized..."I'm grateful!"  Grateful for the beauty of creation that surrounds me.  Grateful for movement, and the ability to walk.  Grateful for the company of my daughter and grandson...having family close.    Sharing these moments together, fills me with JOY!

I hope the season change to Spring has allowed you some time to capture and rehearse being thankful and grateful.  Thank you for reading and traveling with me on this life journey.

Patches and Daisy's Adventures to Nashville and Beyond

Patches and Daisy's Adventure to Business Boutique was full of unique opportunities to meet new people, and to even go home with their new owners.

As we left California, and drove across Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, I was assembling new brothers and sisters for the original Patches and Daisy's that I made.  I wanted to be able to have as many as possible to take to the Business Boutique in Nashville.  Each time I would complete one of the bears, I would smile.  Hoping that each bear would offer their new owners the same response!  JOY and gladness.  Learning to live as "The Beloved".

What a great time of learning and sharing we participated in at the Boutique.  Laughing with others, and encouraging them in their business endeavors.   Exchanging ideas and contacts.  I am particularly grateful that Jerry, my husband, was able to make the trip to Nashville with me, and all the Pear Creek Cottage goodies that we piled in the car.  Having his stable presence was calming for my excited nerves, and his assistance in set up and take down was so helpful.

It was such a great re-connecting time as husband and wife.  We were both under considerable amount of stress the weeks leading up to the event.  Me, with getting items ready to take with us and sell.  Jerry, with finishing up things at his company, as he lost his job, right before our trip.

This whole year has been teaching and reminding us that we live by faith and not by sight.  When we said yes to attend the conference in Tennessee, we had no idea at the time that Jerry would be losing his job.

We are thankful we stepped out in faith, and followed our hearts, and went on this trip to Tennessee.  We are not sure how God is going to work, but we believe with confidence, the changes we are experiencing and traveling through are for a greater, deeper purpose than we realize.  We are choosing to TRUST, and live in JOY.

We have a fondness for The Great Smoky Mountains.  They have become one of Jerry and my favorite places to visit.  We weren't sure that the trip would allow for extended travel time that allowed us to journey into our beloved mountains.  But, as it turns out, that was another added bonus from our Loving and Caring Father God.

It seemed so fitting that Patches and Daisy were able to enjoy the scenery as much as Jerry and I do.  The musical sound of rushing water over the rocks in the river.  The ever so slight timbre of leaves falling, and the brisk Fall air were a soothing balm for us.

My eyes were brimming with tears of joy and thankfulness for the opportunity we had to take this trip and enjoy the majestic beauty in God's creation.  It seem like a "Shalom Moment" ; all is peaceful and calm, knowing that no matter what happens in the future...we know that we are safe in God's hands and He will carry us through these times of unknowing and uncertainty.

"In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him".  Psalm 95:4 
              



We don't see all the answers from our current perspective, but we are continually choosing to "walk by faith, and not by sight"; as the journey continues to unfold we will share what we are learning along the way.

"But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1"

Business Boutique and Planners

What an exciting year it has been so far.  We began the year anticipating our first Live Event at the Business Boutique in Sacramento, California.  Many days were spent preparing, and creating for this fun opportunity.  And what an opportunity it was!  We met Christy Wright, the founder of Business Boutique, and we were challenged, inspired, and encouraged by her.  Dave Ramsey also spoke, in his down to earth style.  Both Terri (my sister) and I were stretched in our thinking. 
We were affirmed.  I definitely received a "shot in the arm" to continue down the path that God is leading Pear Creek Cottage.  I would highly recommend attending a Business Boutique event if you have the chance.  They give sound advice and encouragement to women on how to make money doing what you love. 

Terri & I @ Business Boutique

We have developed some brand new listings in our Etsy shop!  Terri and I, both have re-discovered our love for planners and organizing our days, calendars, and lives.  For me personally, it's like documenting my daily life, and my faith, all in one.  Remembering birthdays, bill payments, commitments, and other life events.  All of this is done in a Scrapbooking style.  Bits and pieces of cute cut outs.  Quotes I want to remember.  Inspirational sayings, and life changing moments are all being recording in my planner/agenda book.  So, the new listings were developed, because I designed them to use them in my own planner!😁

We have three new offerings of planner clips/bookmarks and chipboard dashboards.  The nice thing is, you can use the "dashboards" for templates, for ornaments, magnets and more.  The same with the paper clips.  You can turn these cute images into whatever you would like them to be.  Package toppers, gift tags, pin brooches and more.

I'm including the links for you to view the different styles in the shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/501256524/bird-clip-bookmarks-dashboard-birdhouse?ref=shop_home_active_20

Coffee clips

Mason Jar



As always, thank you for joining me in this journey of life.
Blessings~

Independent Consultants Wax Dipping Fans

I have exciting news to announce!  Pear Creek Cottage is offering a brand new promotion!  

 Monthly Wax Dipping  BOGO packs.

"Calling all past, present and future; Scentsy Independent Consultants-

Pear Creek Cottage is starting a new offering, just for you!

 

Felt Kit of the Month BOGO’s

 

Here’s how it works:

Each month a new wax dipping felt kit will be featured.  When you purchase the featured kit, you will also receive a FREE pre-determined kit of the month.  Buy one, get one!

 

Add the featured kit to your cart.  During checkout leave me a message in the “note to seller” box that you want this month’s BOGO.   You must indicate when purchasing the “Kit of the Month” that you want the BOGO, or it won’t happen if you don’t notify me.  Limit of one free pack per customer.  

 

You may use your normal return customer Coupon Code on the BOGO pack as well.

 

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and my blog to stay posted on upcoming BOGO offerings, and new die shapes that we are always adding.

 

BLOG
http://pearcreekcottage.blogspot.com/

TWITTER
http://www.twitter.com/pearcrkcottage

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/PearCreekCottage

PINTEREST
http://www.pinterest.com/PearCrkCottage/

INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/janmb40/"

I have been so blessed to be serving this great community of Independent Consultants for over two years.  I wanted  to say "thank you" and offer a token of my appreciation to all of you.  It has been an exciting journey that we have traveled together.

We've watched Spice Dawn "You Tube" videos. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erNIp2cPCXk

 Experimented with new ideas, and shapes.  We've shared our life experiences together, and for this; I am truly grateful.

Starting September 1st, the Wax Dip Kit of the Month is:......(drum-roll please)

Purchase the Candy Corn pack, and received a FREE pack of Sport Icons

Each month will feature a new pack to purchase and a new pack that is FREE.

Please share this news!  Shout it from the rooftops!  Blog about it!  Instagram it.  Let's get this great news out!

New Year-New Products

New Listings in the shop!
With each New Year that comes, not only is it a fresh start for me, but also Pear Creek Cottage.  Fresh new ideas of items to make.  Revamping older listings, and general updating! There is something about the promise of Spring coming, with its fresh newness of life, that spills over into all areas of my life!
 One thing that I've recently started is Bible Journaling.  I've been following  "#Illustrated Faith" on social media sights, and seeing the Bible pages and words come to life with artful creativeness, is inspiring.   I decided to start where I am at, without thinking that I would have to spend a lot of money purchasing items to get started.  I have an arsenal of scrapbooking and card making tools that have been collected over 30 years old being in that particular business, so, I jumped right in!  I found a Bible on my shelf that I thought would work for me to illustrate and journal in.  I collected my art supplies from drawers and cupboards and placed them together in my prayer "nook".  What an exhilarating experience this has been.
 Because PCC is based on inspiring others to create, I knew that as I created items to use in my own Bible Art, that I would also like to share these ideas and make them available to my customers.  In this post, I show two different listings that are now in my shop, and how I used them to create a page in my a Bible.

These blank hands are great journal spots for Bible art.  Here is the link to the listing at Pear Creek Cottage.https://www.etsy.com/listing/270576304/hands-and-feet-journaling-cards-paper?

ref=shop_home_active_18

I love the idea of using my own fingerprints to make the background on these pages.

For this page, I used paint, and ink pens for the right side of the page.  On the opposite page, I used pre-printed journal cardstock attached with colored tape.  I am a big fan of "family" and "home" themed products, so these pre-printed journal cards are just perfect for me.  You can find this listing in my shop here:https://www.etsy.com/listing/270798088/vintage-theme-tag-kit-diy-gift-tags?ref=shop_home_active_10
Thank you for stopping by and traveling along with me on this journey.