A long time coming...

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know how important my girls are to my life.  As with any mother, I would do anything to ensure their happiness and all around well-being even if that meant sacrificing everything I am or have.

Well, after much consideration (and a lot of sleepless nights), I've decided to leave my husband.  I realize what an incredible impact this decision has on all of us (as a family as well as each of us individually), but to stay would have created more turmoil and an everlasting effect on the girls.

I thought it best that we leave the home where we've been for the last 7 years and start fresh in a new place.  We've remained in the same town so there isn't any school or friend changes and we're still close to family.  However, the move was rather quick, so it's been a bit overwhelming.

Honestly, I've cried myself to sleep every night since we've left, and I can't help but feel as if every  situation that happens upon me is a test of some kind and that I'm failing miserably.  Any sense of normalcy is non-existent, and I'm lost.  I'm on a constant adrenaline roller coaster from the time I wake up at 5:30am till the time I crawl into bed at 12:30-1:00am...where I usually lay awake and wonder how I'll make it through tomorrow.  I've lost my appetite and any desire to create which are normally the two things I could turn to in times of distress.  

So where does that leave me now?  I'm not sure, but I look at my girls and I see a sense of relief in their eyes.  It's only been a bit over two weeks now, but I can see a change - albeit small - but a positive change none-the-less, and that's all that matters.  

In the meantime, I'm attempting to stay positive and trying to find my way back to that creative spirit I loved so much.  I do hope you'll be patient with me and that you find it in your heart to forgive any ranting I might have in the future.

I appreciate your time,

M.

It's in the Details

My customers ROCK!

As more and more Etsy shops open, customers are becoming a very valuable commodity.  You have to fight an increasing number of competitors to get their attention, and then their business.  After that initial sale, you have to fight some more to keep them coming back.  They are the life and blood of a business, and customer satisfaction is key.  It's in the details.

Many Etsians offer discounts for returning customers, so I go that one step further and include a little gift as a way of saying "Thank you.  Your business is appreciated".  I've done gift tags...

Holiday Gift Tags

Vintage Style Gift Tags

...cards...

Valentine's Day Mini Cards

Thank You Cards

...and this time around, I decided on a little embellished envelope.  A perfect way to send my business card as well as a coupon card, and then the customer can re-use it later for a gift card or cash.

"Have a Great Day" Mini Envelope

I created these from standard coin envelopes that I purchased on sale at my local office supply store.  I started by spraying Tsukineko Walnut Ink onto a flourish mask for the background and then stamped the bottom of each one with a Tim Holtz journaling stamp.  All the little pretties are from my stash of left-overs from previous projects with the exception of the roses.  I created those by hand using satin ribbon.  The sentiment stamp is from Hero Arts.

Just something 'extra' for my customers...an unexpected surprise when they make a purchase at Reverie Creations because each and every one of them is appreciated beyond words!

Have a wonderful day.

M.

...Challenge #3 of 52 ~ a "LOVE Letters" Tussy Mussy...

This weeks challenge can be found at one of my favorite blog stops, The Shabby Tea Room.  It's inspired by this sweet photo...

"Love is in the Air"~Week #99

Create a Valentine's day card or project using the colors in the photo and include a mail or postage element.

Since I've been on a tussy mussy kick as of late, I thought I'd stick with the theme and create a "Love Letters" tussy.  

I started with Jenni Bowlin paper and added awesome mesh ribbon along the top and a K&Company border.  Embellished with Prima roses, printed postcard images from 'madebyjanet' on Etsy, Tim Holtz Adage ticket, seam binding, glittered chipboard heart, glitter glue, Prima pearl, and a 'bliss' stick pin.  I tucked a little red tulle inside to finish it off.  

Nothing could be more perfect for Valentine's day.  Just imagine it filled with little heart chocolates or a pair of opera tickets, then imagine it hanging off a shelf peg after the special day is over.  The gift that keeps on giving! :)

If you'd like to participate in this weeks challenge over at the The Shabby Tea Room, you have until Sunday, February 5th.  Also, be sure to take some time to check out the beautiful inspiration created by their design team!

Thanks for stopping by!

M.