Sycamore Bye-bye

I did it. I closed my etsy shop. I've been thinking about it for a while now. Something just clicked this week and I knew it was the right time. The reasons are varied and vague but mainly I need to simplify and focus on getting my head on straight. That's a full time job, ya know.

The actual sewing wasn't more than I could manage. Between consignment, etsy and orders to friends I was about as busy as I wanted to be. My need to close had more to do with the mental energy this endeavor required. With two kids I really need all the mental resources I have left.

In addition to the conservation of my remaining functional neurons, there are numerous craft projects that I want to try. I want to craft for my girls, my family and all the other lovely kiddos in my life. Soule Mama has some fabulous ideas for incorporating children's art work into quilts and pillows. Her flickr group has given me enough ideas for a year of crafting. I stumbled upon The Crafty Crow which posts nothing but the *coolest* arts and crafts projects for kids. Not Martha has tutorials on several non fabric related projects that I'd like to experiment with. I also want to get back to my quilting. I could go on and on . . .

I'm going to continue this blog. Gone will be the posts of shameless self promotion with the not so subtle message of "hey, buy my stuff." Guess it will be simply be a mommy, food, crafting and family update blog. Unapologetically self indulgent.

The crafting community is full of wonderfully supportive and kind people. It is these connections that kept me going as long as I did. Luckily we can still visit in blog land. Needless to say, my blog will always have room to plug the wonderful and talented peeps of etsyrain ~ Seattle's kick-ass street team.

Whew. Here's to straight heads and new projects!

Banner Brag

Did you notice my new banner? Hope so! Found a talented and friendly designer on etsy (of course) to make it for me. Taryn Hipp offers custom banners in her shop for a very reasonable price. Send her a convo, she'll hook you up.
p.s. Taryn made me an alternate banner as well. Stay tuned, it'll knock your socks off.

Crazy Crafty Mama

Crazy Crafty Mama is the newest blog on the block. It was started by Carrie from Finny's Funny Fleece and features SAHMs who sell their crafts on Etsy. Each week CCM is going to feature a SAHM, her shop, crafts, family and a bit about her pre stay-at-home life. And, you're never going to guess who her first feature is! Give up? It's me! Click on over to CCM and take a peek. Hey, leave a comment and you'll be included in a drawing to win a onesie from my shop. Can't beat free.
Are you a SAHM with a shop on etsy? Tell Carrie. You'll be supporting an up and coming blog and getting a little promo for your shop.