Just wanted to make something VERY clear regarding my experience with KC Etsy. I have nothing against the members of KC Etsy in general. What happened to me was an issue that did not involve the group as a whole. There are wonderful people in this group! They have beautiful handcrafted art to sell from every genre imaginable. Please, please, please shop with these artists.
Not all of the officers/leaders are a problem and I can't name those who are so, what the heck, just shop with everyone! Just because we have different opinions on how a Team is supposed to work doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the wonderful shopping! I'll even tell you about my favorites!
Shelli of MondeDesigns has the most gorgeous custom embroidered wedding items! http://mondedesign.etsy.com/
Suzanne of Dumb Kid Designs has the cutest little wallets you've ever seen. Great little gifts for anyone! http://dumbkiddesigns.etsy.com/
Cindy of Cinderelish has a wonderful shop full of colorful pottery and tableware. I'd love to have several of her pieces too! http://cinderelish.etsy.com/
My competitor in jewelry design is Julie. A sweet lady with a great eye! Her store link is here: http://jewlli.etsy.com/
Another favorite is here at http://busymomcreations.etsy.com/. She truly is a very busy mom and still has time to make very cool stuff!
Click here for the most elegant greeting cards you've ever held in your hands!http://bbesigns.etsy.com/
And for the sweetest children's linens and infant needs click here: http://tinystitches.etsy.com/
This is one of the reasons I can't wait to be a Grandma!
That is just a sampling of the creative artists on the KC Etsy Street Team. So give THEM a chance and help them grow. You can't let a couple of bad apples spoil it for the whole bunch!
Now go shop! And don't forget to stop off at my store too :D
http://www.adriennedesigns.etsy.com/
March 10, 2008
March 09, 2008
Changes....good, better, and best! Part II
Things happen for a reason. I'm just sure of it! I may not understand and frankly, I don't need to understand everything that goes on in my world. Just knowing that a purpose was served is enough for me. Change is a stressful thing but not all change is a bad thing.
In my first post about change I told you about the hard lesson I learned about being in a group without leadership and I mentioned how much I love being a part of my church. It was because of a sermon my pastor presented a few weeks ago that I decided to make a change in the groups I had become involved with. I realized that it's hard to expect Christian and Faith based behavior from people who don't live it everyday.
I joined CAST, the Christian Artists Street Team on Etsy.com. The welcome was quiet but sweet. The change in attitude amazing and the craftsmanship? Well, let's just say there are some pieces of art that are of Divine Inspiration! I'm meeting new people who are led by the the very best - God. Who better to lead?
I know that sounds a little naive. The point is, with God in the hearts of the membership we have a better chance of succeeding as a group and surviving as friends. Sharing the same values make a huge difference!
I'm finding that I don't always make the best choices for myself the first time around. (I don't know why that always surprises me!) Sometimes we just have to listen to the messages coming in around us and concentrate on God's voice, push out the harsh tones of those who bully and hurt us, lean on those who support and lift us up...and make a change for the better!
Check out the art of the Etsy CAST team by clicking on the title of this post. There is real talent here....
In my first post about change I told you about the hard lesson I learned about being in a group without leadership and I mentioned how much I love being a part of my church. It was because of a sermon my pastor presented a few weeks ago that I decided to make a change in the groups I had become involved with. I realized that it's hard to expect Christian and Faith based behavior from people who don't live it everyday.
I joined CAST, the Christian Artists Street Team on Etsy.com. The welcome was quiet but sweet. The change in attitude amazing and the craftsmanship? Well, let's just say there are some pieces of art that are of Divine Inspiration! I'm meeting new people who are led by the the very best - God. Who better to lead?
I know that sounds a little naive. The point is, with God in the hearts of the membership we have a better chance of succeeding as a group and surviving as friends. Sharing the same values make a huge difference!
I'm finding that I don't always make the best choices for myself the first time around. (I don't know why that always surprises me!) Sometimes we just have to listen to the messages coming in around us and concentrate on God's voice, push out the harsh tones of those who bully and hurt us, lean on those who support and lift us up...and make a change for the better!
Check out the art of the Etsy CAST team by clicking on the title of this post. There is real talent here....
Changes....good, better, and best!
Wow, it's amazing what can happen to a person in a few weeks time!
I'll start with the worst of the changes - which as it turns out, is a really good thing....
Several weeks ago I posted here that I don't do well with groups. I admit it! I don't do well in groups because I'm not the kind of girl who likes cliques. It's just so "junior high school". I like so many people and I enjoy meeting new people so boxing myself in to a group just goes against my personality type. Now, having said that, I also love being a part of something really special!
For instance, I love my church! TVBC is such a special place and filled with such a wonderful array of people....well let's just say I love them all.
Dream Catcher's Equine Assisted Therapy Group is an AWESOME group of people who serve a very special group of children and adults with disabilities through hippo therapy - therapy on horseback. My daughter has participated in this group for several years now as a client. The result has been amazing! She has grown and developed so because of the horses and people in this group. Not only has she benefited from this group but my husband and I have benefited from being a part of the volunteer group who make up the Dream Catchers. (I'll blog more about this subject later and in the meantime be sure to check my Favorite Link List for a web link to this group's site.)
However, there are groups we get involved with that do more damage than good. When the leadership doesn't know how to lead, develop fair and balanced rules and guidelines, or how to avoid conflict of interest issues then it's time to ask questions. Unfortunately I asked questions and chose to do so in a private manner. I was not willing to embarrass the self-appointed leaders of the KC Etsy Street Team or cause a huge upset by posting my questions in the public forums so I emailed them privately and in the process learned a very hard lesson. Privacy not only protects but it also allows for an atmosphere of secrecy. Bullies lurk in the most unexpected places and never having been a victim of bullying, I didn't see the attack coming. In short I am no longer a part of the KC Etsy Street Team - this is my choice. I have been banned from the KC Etsy Flickr group because they are terrified I will post the truth of what took place. I opted not to do that before the ban was ever placed. It was a moot point.
I'm choosing the "high road". I have been threatened, lied to, bullied, and banned. Pretty vicious stuff for a small time group or "team" as they like to call themselves. What the leaders of that group didn't realize was that I had archived all of the emails shared between us and I am perfectly willing to share those records with any member of the KC Etsy Street Team who would like to know why I've been banned. I will not waste more of my time on this subject.
The bright spot in all of this was meeting the rest of the membership on the KC Etsy Street Team. There are wonderful and talented artists in Kansas City and many of them are a part of this group. Please check them out and by all means....BUY!
I'll be covering the "Better" part of this post in Changes...good, better and best! Part II.
I'll start with the worst of the changes - which as it turns out, is a really good thing....
Several weeks ago I posted here that I don't do well with groups. I admit it! I don't do well in groups because I'm not the kind of girl who likes cliques. It's just so "junior high school". I like so many people and I enjoy meeting new people so boxing myself in to a group just goes against my personality type. Now, having said that, I also love being a part of something really special!
For instance, I love my church! TVBC is such a special place and filled with such a wonderful array of people....well let's just say I love them all.
Dream Catcher's Equine Assisted Therapy Group is an AWESOME group of people who serve a very special group of children and adults with disabilities through hippo therapy - therapy on horseback. My daughter has participated in this group for several years now as a client. The result has been amazing! She has grown and developed so because of the horses and people in this group. Not only has she benefited from this group but my husband and I have benefited from being a part of the volunteer group who make up the Dream Catchers. (I'll blog more about this subject later and in the meantime be sure to check my Favorite Link List for a web link to this group's site.)
However, there are groups we get involved with that do more damage than good. When the leadership doesn't know how to lead, develop fair and balanced rules and guidelines, or how to avoid conflict of interest issues then it's time to ask questions. Unfortunately I asked questions and chose to do so in a private manner. I was not willing to embarrass the self-appointed leaders of the KC Etsy Street Team or cause a huge upset by posting my questions in the public forums so I emailed them privately and in the process learned a very hard lesson. Privacy not only protects but it also allows for an atmosphere of secrecy. Bullies lurk in the most unexpected places and never having been a victim of bullying, I didn't see the attack coming. In short I am no longer a part of the KC Etsy Street Team - this is my choice. I have been banned from the KC Etsy Flickr group because they are terrified I will post the truth of what took place. I opted not to do that before the ban was ever placed. It was a moot point.
I'm choosing the "high road". I have been threatened, lied to, bullied, and banned. Pretty vicious stuff for a small time group or "team" as they like to call themselves. What the leaders of that group didn't realize was that I had archived all of the emails shared between us and I am perfectly willing to share those records with any member of the KC Etsy Street Team who would like to know why I've been banned. I will not waste more of my time on this subject.
The bright spot in all of this was meeting the rest of the membership on the KC Etsy Street Team. There are wonderful and talented artists in Kansas City and many of them are a part of this group. Please check them out and by all means....BUY!
I'll be covering the "Better" part of this post in Changes...good, better and best! Part II.
February 12, 2008
We Have a Winner!
This is Devon - a wonderful customer and the happy winner of the January drawing for Garnet Earrings. Devon got to choose from Almandine Garnets or Green Garnets - both beautiful but a totally different look. Doesn't she look cute? I think she's a doll! Thanks Devon for sharing your photo with me! Everyone clap for Devon :D
These are the earrings she got to choose from...
These are the earrings she got to choose from...
Which pair would you choose? Why? Let me know would you? I'd love to get your feedback! Thanks :DLater.....
a
February 09, 2008
Buzzing Bee Manhattan Set
Fox4 News Interview with KC Etsy video link
Good morning :D Did you see the Channel 4 news last night? Well here is a link to the story and interview they did with our group..... http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Entertainment/Detail?contentId=5722409&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=7.1.1
I certainly didn't expect them to use a close up of my double chin but I'm sure glad they used a close up of my jewelry! Go check it out then come back and tell me what you think :D
I'll post more later.....
I certainly didn't expect them to use a close up of my double chin but I'm sure glad they used a close up of my jewelry! Go check it out then come back and tell me what you think :D
I'll post more later.....
February 03, 2008
Friday Night Blues...
Hello. It's been awhile since I've written anything. I know. that doesn't make for a very interesting blog. I've been incredibly busy although I really thought things would slow down after the holidays.
You've probably noticed all of my links and news about the Kansas City Etsy Street Team and our Valentine Trunk Show. Well, it was Friday night. I was all set to go, loaded up my car, my assistant (my daughter) and headed for the restaurant. Somewhere between home and our destination I took a wrong turn and my brain decided to take a vacation. Blank. I couldn't figure out where I was, what direction I was going, or how to get back to where I started.
We ended up in a part of town called Westport which is a big party area and it was super busy and crowded. Then we wound up on The Plaza which is driving hell on any day but when you're lost on a heavy traffic Friday night it's even worse!
As if that wasn't enough there was a huge crowd of protesters on the sidewalk and patrol cars everywhere. I'm not sure what they were protesting but they were angry and on the move! I just knew I was going to get stuck in the middle of that.
In the meantime, I have no idea what direction I'm going or if I should turn around. The minutes until the show starts are ticking away and I'm in LaLa Land with no sense of how to get back to where I started from. Eventually the time did pass and I knew it was to late to particpate in the show. Now, that was a huge disappointment! I've worked really hard to get ready for this and I've got to admit....I cried...out of frustration and disappointment, and embarassment. ARGH!
Finally I found a street I was really familiar with. I stayed on it even though it took me thirty blocks in the wrong direction because I knew how to get home from there. It took two hours and a quarter tank of gas! What a waste!
I had a good cry and then decided to look at the bright side which is really hard to do sometimes. But, I believe God puts me where I need to be at any given moment...even if I don't know where I am... He does. He got me home safe and who knows what other mishaps and danger I avoided by being lost. There is always a next show (if I can find it!) and no one was hurt or injured with the exception of my pride.
Did I mention that we had a very belated Christmas with my husband parents today? I got Money as usual....YEA! I' d been thinking how I was going to spend this and decided to save my pennies and use the combined funds to pay for Silver Smithing classes. Then I realized I'd probably get lost trying to get to and home from the studio! So, I ordered a Garmin GPS today with the money. It should be in later this week. Probably not in time for my next show on Thursday but it's coming. Until then, I just have to rely on MapQuest Driving Directions, and the kindness of friends who've offered everything from a ride to and from the show to caravaning.
My insulted brain really insulted me this time but I'm slowly but surely figuring ways to get around it. Who needs a brain when you have a GPS? :D
See you later.................
a
You've probably noticed all of my links and news about the Kansas City Etsy Street Team and our Valentine Trunk Show. Well, it was Friday night. I was all set to go, loaded up my car, my assistant (my daughter) and headed for the restaurant. Somewhere between home and our destination I took a wrong turn and my brain decided to take a vacation. Blank. I couldn't figure out where I was, what direction I was going, or how to get back to where I started.
We ended up in a part of town called Westport which is a big party area and it was super busy and crowded. Then we wound up on The Plaza which is driving hell on any day but when you're lost on a heavy traffic Friday night it's even worse!
As if that wasn't enough there was a huge crowd of protesters on the sidewalk and patrol cars everywhere. I'm not sure what they were protesting but they were angry and on the move! I just knew I was going to get stuck in the middle of that.
In the meantime, I have no idea what direction I'm going or if I should turn around. The minutes until the show starts are ticking away and I'm in LaLa Land with no sense of how to get back to where I started from. Eventually the time did pass and I knew it was to late to particpate in the show. Now, that was a huge disappointment! I've worked really hard to get ready for this and I've got to admit....I cried...out of frustration and disappointment, and embarassment. ARGH!
Finally I found a street I was really familiar with. I stayed on it even though it took me thirty blocks in the wrong direction because I knew how to get home from there. It took two hours and a quarter tank of gas! What a waste!
I had a good cry and then decided to look at the bright side which is really hard to do sometimes. But, I believe God puts me where I need to be at any given moment...even if I don't know where I am... He does. He got me home safe and who knows what other mishaps and danger I avoided by being lost. There is always a next show (if I can find it!) and no one was hurt or injured with the exception of my pride.
Did I mention that we had a very belated Christmas with my husband parents today? I got Money as usual....YEA! I' d been thinking how I was going to spend this and decided to save my pennies and use the combined funds to pay for Silver Smithing classes. Then I realized I'd probably get lost trying to get to and home from the studio! So, I ordered a Garmin GPS today with the money. It should be in later this week. Probably not in time for my next show on Thursday but it's coming. Until then, I just have to rely on MapQuest Driving Directions, and the kindness of friends who've offered everything from a ride to and from the show to caravaning.
My insulted brain really insulted me this time but I'm slowly but surely figuring ways to get around it. Who needs a brain when you have a GPS? :D
See you later.................
a
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