How did having a business in Etsy change your life?

This was a question posted by aroundtheworld in Etsy forums the other day, and made me realize that Etsy did indeed change my life as well as me personally (in a positive way, may I add), as it has given me a sort of confidence which I had never experienced before.

Etsy made me realize that even though I'm able to do just about anything I put my mind into, I need to be selective and chose NOT to do what doesn't please me. I have discovered that there is, after all something in this world that I truly enjoy doing and would like to see myself continuing for many years to come. This all thanks to me discovering Etsy and committing myself to making my Etsy shop the best I can in terms of quality and customer service. I love what I do, I'm quite passionate about it, and don't really want to do anything else (including housework and dirty laundry LOL). I have no words to express my true appreciation for Etsy.

You can read the whole thread right here.  There's some really inspiring posts in there.

Here's to confidence and Etsy:

Indigo and Purple Crochet Necklace

Good Riddance August 2010

August 2010 was for me a very stressful month (hence my lack of posting anything the WHOLE month).  The heat and humidity were unbearable, making work at the restaurant even more difficult, and to top it off my iron level went down again, so low that I had to take a few days off as I didn't have energy to face the work load at the restaurant.

September comes as a breath of fresh air with the temperatures and humidity level much lower, and lots of people returning home or to work after summer vacation, and school starting soon (here in Cyprus), so I'll have time for myself again to continue with my beloved craft.

In the meantime.... here's my Colorido Crochet Necklace no. 3:

Mystic Garden

When I look at this necklace I dream of a magical place, a garden lush with green plants, a creek with a small waterfall, a walk in the forest.... no worries in the world. The color green symbolizes nature and the natural world, and it is thought to relieve stress and help heal.

Enjoy my Mystic Garden Crochet Necklace.

Use Your Sense of Creative Ownership

"Use a sense of creative ownership to give yourself permission to create something new, different, and distinctly yours".  This is what Tara, over at ScoutieGirl has to say about artists who are truly unique in their style, even though they may have started off by following some sort of instructions, or were initially taught by an instructor.  True artists will then branch off to express their own individuality thru their work.

To read the whole (but short) interview, just go to ScoutiGirl.com

In the meantime..... hope you'll enjoy my newest necklace, which I've titled "Cerise"

If it ain't broke......

You know the saying that goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? What does that say about the people who are unconsciously looking to create problems all the time just so that they have something to "fix"? Could it be that they are persons who are not in harmony with their souls? That their souls are trying to tell them that they are the ones that need fixing; that they need to be in touch with the universe, nature and their surroundings?

And what about artists, architects, interior designers, musicians or creators of art forms in some way or another? Art is a form of expression that comes from the soul. When our minds can't find the right words to express what our souls are feeling, then we use art, and colors, and form, and compose music that reflect the vibrations emitted by our souls.

Anyone want to share their opinion on this? I'm interested in reading your comments!

In the meantime, hope you like my new creation from my soul, my "Melia Bib Crochet Necklace":

When Life Gives You Kumquats...... and a little imagination....

Nature inspires me in unbelievable ways, and when my Kumquat tree was begging for mercy the other day to be rid of all the fruit which was weighing it down, I decided to pick it and do caramelized kumquats with the little cuties.

But my imagination didn't just stop there.  This seemed a bit boring, so I took some hibiscus concentrate that I had made a while ago and diluted it in water and lots of ice to make "agua de jamaica", and then I tossed a few of the caramelized kumquats in there along with some of its syrup, and..... there you have it!   A surprisingly delicious and refreshing drink to quench my thirst in this (almost Summer) heat  :0)

Minima Necklace, for the minimalist in you

This necklace is a bit different to the colorful crochet necklaces I've been creating lately.  I usually follow my instincts when making a new piece and if my inner spirit calls for soothing, calming, un-cluttered colors, then I listen and obey.

The results are my Minima Necklace that adds just the right touch of detail to your outfit when you're in a de-cluttering mood, made with tiny Delica© Japanese glass beads in seaform green and ivory strung through 2 tiger tail wires.

The soothing effects of the color seafoam green is combined with the understated elegance of ivory to help you clear your mind of unwanted, cluttered thoughts, denoting new beginnings, growth and self-worth.