If you've stopped by the shop since I reopened on Wednesday, you've probably noticed some sales. There have been quite a few emails from inquiring customers, so I guess it's time to talk. I've always been an open book.....why stop now? Here's the honest-to-goodness truth.
When I laid the plans for One Hundred Wishes, 2 years ago, I envisioned a shop with unique and beautiful items for creative customers. In my mind, I saw myself puttering around in my studio making pretty things and once or twice a week sitting down to pack a few orders. I thought it would give me the best of both worlds, getting to stay home with my children while still having my own little "thing". I never did it for money. I did it purely for pleasure and the pursuit of a long-time dream.
Well, the truth is, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would grow to become what it has. And quite simply, as grateful as I am, it's become more than I ever wanted it to be. Keeping the shop fresh and interesting consumes an incredible amount of time, and I'm just not willing to give up precious minutes with my family any longer. So, it's time to slow down this ride (where are the brakes?) and scale back considerably. I am not closing up shop, just downsizing and keeping the best of the best. My very favorite things.
I will continue making jewelry, and there are some other creative plans swirling in my head and written in my journal as well. All in time. There is no rush, no time line. It's all about doing what feels right. And right now, I gotta tell ya, this feels very right. It's been a long time coming.
I want to play more with my boys. And sit on the couch watching movies with my husband after we put the kids to bed. I want to bake more. And create more. And relax more. And clean my house better. And do more yoga. And I can't wait to work in the garden and have Mario there digging by my side. And I want to have free time to meet friends for lunch and catch up. I want to enjoy these days, because I know how quickly they will fly right by me if I don't make the conscious decision to savor every moment. Sam is so big. When did he get so big?? Was I packing orders while he was growing? Was I too stressed out to notice that Mario doesn't want to play trains alone. He wants to play with me. And I want to play with him. Because someday he won't want to play with me. Right now, I'm his best friend. He told me so. And I want to bake {not buy} every birthday cake for George, Mario and Sam from now until forever. Not because I have to, but because I want to.
So, there you have it. The raw truth. I hope I don't come across as sad in this post, because I am as happy as can be! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It feels like everything has come into a very clear focus for me. Those of you who are close to me know this has been on my mind for such a long time. It's so good to set it free. Simplify.
I have also decided {after much consideration} that I will no longer be shipping orders internationally. For domestic orders, I ship everything through USPS Click N Ship, right from my front porch. But, international orders require additional paperwork and trips to the post office with the kids in tow, several times a week. I have greatly appreciated every international order I've ever received and want to say a big thank you to each one of my faraway customers and friends. Orders have been shipped to South Africa, Italy, Malaysia, England, Peru, Canada, France and everywhere in between. How amazing the Internet is. Thank you for your support and your loyalty. It truly means so much to me.
Whew. I'm long-winded today! Glad I got all of those thoughts out though.
So, what does all of this have to do with these pictures of pretty velvet strawberries? A fair question, I would say! I purchased these handmade berries for my shop late last year, and they arrived in the mail this week. One last shop update for a while....and a very pretty one I think! These strawberries were handmade by one of my customers, Kimber Van Heukelom. Each one is topped with hand-dyed wool and dotted with seed beads. Kimber also made the adorable tuffet with the tiny berry emery. As you can see, she does beautiful work. I love them and I love that they are handmade.
There are a limited number of these strawberries in the shop now, and I also put one aside to do a fun little giveaway. If you'd like the chance to win a velvet strawberry, leave your name and email address and I'll draw a name on Monday!
You can also contact Kimber directly for special orders. (515) 993-4005 or [email protected]
Happy Weekend everyone! Don't forget to make it count. Thanks for reading this far....lol....
xoxoxoxoxoxo Andrea
Wow! Good for you :) I bet it was a little hard to let yourself say it was OK to take a step back.
Please enter me in your giveaway!
Thanks and best wishes to you. Katie
Posted by: Katie Trott | January 16, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Good for you!!Time does go by fast - enjoy every sec with your little guys (and big guy)- that's the most important thing ever!!
Posted by: Jackie | January 16, 2009 at 04:42 PM
i would love to win a strawberry...they are lovely...i don't blame you for wanting to cut back...time really does go so quickly and it is more important for you to be able to spend time with your young family...
Posted by: Lori | January 16, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Andrea, Bravo very smart decision, nothing wrong with stay at home moms that are really at home and in touch with with their children, husbands, family and friends. Time does fly by and sometimes we all need to reflect on what is most important in our lives right now. You are going to go in a great positive ZEN direction. Creating when you want, not to keep up with a Shop at all the crazy demands Your taking control, great feeling just has good as YOGA. Congratulations Enjoy LiFe... And Bake by all means bake..
Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | January 16, 2009 at 04:49 PM
Andrea, very well written! Time does fly, enjoy every mintue with your precious little boys. Best wishes!
Posted by: Angie | January 16, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Please enter me. I love the velvet strawberries! Oh, I hope I win!!!!
You made the right choice, kids are only young once!
Lorri
Posted by: Lorri | January 16, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Love the strawberries! Thanks for the chance to win some:)
Posted by: April | January 16, 2009 at 05:07 PM
What a wonderful decision you have made. Nothing like spending that precious time with your family:) Oh, and I LOVE those strawberries!!!
Posted by: Joanna | January 16, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Yummy Strawberries, Andrea love you blog and your creativity!!
Posted by: Jeccica | January 16, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I just recently discovered you and am in luv with your shop...
I am happy for you and your decision but a little sad for me...lol.
Best of the best to you and I would luv to have that little strawberry.
Catherine
Posted by: Catherine | January 16, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Good for you!! I would love to win one of those beautiful strawberries!!! Keep having fun! Laurie
Posted by: lauriescharmingdesigns | January 16, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I think that they are beautiful!
Posted by: Elaine | January 16, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I'm glad you are doing what feels right in your heart. :) They do grow really fast and you wonder where the time went. Eat up those days of being his best friend, because he'll turn 13 before you know it and he will hate you most of the time. :) I know this from two and a half months of experience. Don't worry he'll still love you.
Posted by: Wanda | January 16, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Wow! Congrats on the decision! Please put me in the drawing!
Posted by: Celeste Lytle | January 16, 2009 at 05:24 PM
oooh sad for me as I just found you!
but happy for you - enjoy a bit more relaxation! :-)
Posted by: Sarah | January 16, 2009 at 05:25 PM
I am happy for you!! Today is my daughter's 13th birthday and I can't believe it. My how the time flies!!! Treasure each moment. Thanks for sharing. Love the precious strawberries. I hope I win!!
Posted by: Madeline Segura | January 16, 2009 at 05:35 PM
What a wise, wise woman you are! I lurk here frequently but never comment because you get so many visitors & I iddn't want to bother you. But this post was soo touching that I just have to commend you...you are doing the right thing & you'll never regret it!
I had decided to leave this comment before I read about the give-away but since I'm here anyway ;o), throw my name into the hat please.
Posted by: Cami @ Creating Myself | January 16, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Andrea,
I've so admired your creative genius, blog and shop for some time now. As a woman of ummm... 50, I have just started to blog, sign up with Etsy and put myself out there. I couldn't imagine doing this when my boys were little! My hats off to you for what you have gained through being in touch with your passion and creative side. No apologies are necessary for wanting to take a step or two back. I will continue to visit your blog often and shop in your online store. Enjoy your babies!
Debby
Romancing the Bling
Posted by: Debby Anderson | January 16, 2009 at 05:37 PM
It's the right thing to do - you won't regret it. You are an inspiration and bring beauty to us all. Thanks for your generous spirit. Love the berries!
Posted by: Jayme L. | January 16, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Coming from a stay at home mom for the last 18 years and having that little boy graduate this year I have to agree with you. Although I will miss your shop terribly it will be the best for you and your little ones. Life is too short and time too precious. Want an example read my blog post "Zachary Ryan" you'll see why I have enjoyed every minute of this crazy ride called life and look forward everyday to it's continuance:)
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | January 16, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Hey Andrea-
What a wonderful thing that you are doing. I totally understand where you are coming from. Time with your family is the most important thing that you will ever have. ;) I wish you the best with everything and know that you will continue to be a wonderful and creative inspiration to us all. Take Care.
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | January 16, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Best Wishes Andrea! It has to feel good to know you did what you wanted to do and succeeded! I can tell you as a mom to a 24 year old son and a 17 year old daughter...it FLIES!!! Awww~and beautiful thing~they still love to "play" with their mom.(sometimes!ha!)The strawberries are awesome!
~jane
Posted by: susiebelle | January 16, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Hey Andrea-
What a wonderful thing that you are doing. I totally understand where you are coming from. Time with your family is the most important thing that you will ever have. ;) I wish you the best with everything and know that you will continue to be a wonderful and creative inspiration to us all. Take Care.
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | January 16, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Andrea,
I am glad you are happy with your decision. You have a beautiful family. I can understand you wanting to spend more time with them.
Thank you for hosting such a nice giveaway!
Enjoy your weekend, Andrea
[email protected]
Posted by: Andrea | January 16, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Andrea, You have found the truth. We cannot have it all all at the same time. Life has a way of forcing us to choose priorities and you have chosen well. I raised three sons and I can tell you that they will not need you when they grow up as much as they do now. So cherish the days, they do fly and enjoy being the most important woman in their lives. Your blog is delightful and your shop full of so many beautiful things. I have just started my blog and am still learning. I would LOVE to win one of those strawberries! Linda
Posted by: Linda | January 16, 2009 at 06:15 PM