Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Grand Opening of my new Etsy Shop and a GIVEAWAY!!


I have FINALLY got my nerve up to open my own Etsy shop, and to help spread the word, I am having a giveaway! I am offering this lovely collaged mirror that I created with the quote "aspire to BE" which I think is so perfect for this time in my life.

Many times over the years I have let fear run my life and oh, how I hate it when that happens. I have had many people encourage me to open an Etsy shop. It's a very vulnerable expericence, I have found. What I wrote in my "profile" on Etsy explains it:

I have always been uncomfortable being referred to as an artist until I read the definition: Artist:

“A person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination”


I like that. I can handle that.


I live a rather traditional life, married 30+ years to a wonderful, supportive man. Three grown kids. Live in the suburbs, go to church every week. But there's a nontraditional side to me--quirky and off-track. That's what attracts me to mixed-media art--collage and assemblage--using found things.

Growing up I experienced tragic, difficult and ugly times in my life that altered my world-view. As an adult I pursued beauty--from decorating my house to creating things, it became important that I be surrounded by what I thought to be beautiful. Using found objects or making collages have been therapy for me--a reflection of what God has done with my life--taking the broken pieces of my life and making something lovely. My goal is to find the beauty in life. Being able to express beauty through creativity (even if it's only me that thinks it's beautiful) rewards me with a sense of healing, fulfillment and satisfaction.


I hope you too may find something here to add beauty to your life!








So you guys know the routine...if you leave a comment on THIS POST your name will be entered ONCE, AND if you link back to your blog and 'advertise' my giveaway there..let me know, and you'll be entered TWICE, AND if you sign up as a follower..let me know, and you will be entered THREE TIMES!!



I will be adding a few goodies to the Giveaway mirror, and will announce the winner on the evening of October 6..






Thanks for playing and be sure to check out my Etsy by clicking on the column on the left!



























 












40 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your new Etsy! You'll be great at this. I'll click on over to see what you're selling. laurie

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  2. Hi Myrn!!

    I am OVER-THE-MOON happy for you that you have opened and Etsy shop - WAY TO GO!!! It's just lovely too...it's so YOU! And girl, I'm thinking that this GORGEOUS altered mirror that you are so graciously giving away would look PERFECT in my new studio!! :o) I'll sign up as a follower and post about it too...and let you know when I do...

    I am very excited and am already looking forward to shopping at your sweet shop. And I very much appreciate and resonate with what you wrote about being an artist and seeing beauty/creating beauty, and also about God taking our brokeness and making something beautiful out os it as only He can... So true!

    Love you girl - best wishes for your Etsy shop and all your creative pursuits!! And thanks so much for your sweet comments about the studio - wish you could stop by for a visit...what fun we could have!

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky

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  3. Congratulations on your Etsy shop. Your work is lovely and I think you will do very well. Your mirror giveaway is stunning. Such a beautiful piece. Hugs, Marty

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  4. Oh so pretty! And congrats about entering the world of Etsy--I wish you the very best in this new adventure. And thanks for yoru comments at my blog--I did some wallpapering upstairs today, this time with a roll of wallpaper which 'came with the house'. I'm on a roll, as they say! :)Hugs, Debra

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  5. Myrna,
    I was really touched by your post and what art has done for you.I know that there are times in my lifethat if I don't do something creative I think I'll never be able to breath. Good luck on your etsy shop. Thank for you sweet note about our Holly. She was very loved.
    Sandy

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  6. So glad Dawn at the Feathered Nest told us about the great giveaway.

    Please enter my name.
    blessings
    Barbara jean

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  7. Hi Myrna,
    I have arrived at your blog from Dawn's blog and I am so glad I made the cyber trip!! You seem to be such a lovely person and I will be back again to get to know you!!

    You have found a way to add to the beauty in this world with your art!!
    I am in awe of your talent!!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win such a beautiful piece...hope it comes to my house!!

    Hugs!
    Georgia
    Grandma G's
    grandmags.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh, you kindred spirit! After YEARS of dreaming and four grown children, I finally got the courage to open a brick and mortar - I know JUST how you feel!! I wish you ALL THE BEST, how perfectly exciting for you!! I came over from Dawn's blog - glad I did - please enter me thrice, as I will be a follower here in a moment and I shall indeed provide a link on my blog! That sweet mirror sure would look awesome on our shop wall to remind us everyday of what we CAN DO!!! Keep on doing what you love, it is the only way to live!! Blessings, Marji

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  9. Congratulations on your Etsy shop. Your art is lovely, and I'm sure you will be very successful. I believe God will bless the work of your hands and heart....

    "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Col. 3:23

    This is one of my favorite inspirational verses!

    Blessings to you...Susie

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  10. That is so pretty, Myrna! Congrats on your new Etsy shop!

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  11. Hi sweet Myrna!! I'm so happy you've opened your Etsy store!! Your artwork is gorgeous and now everyone has a chance to have a piece ~ and now I'm following you too, so I would LOVE to be entered into your giveaway...wishing you MUCH success sweet friend, xxoo, Dawn

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  12. Congrats & welcome to the land of Etsy.I know from personal experience about putting yourself out there for all the world to judge. It's not easy & yes you're making yourself vunerable to the good & the bad. But it is so worth it when you make that first sell. So exhilarating and it gives you the confidence to move forward. GOOD LUCK!

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  13. Congrats on your new Etsy Shop!!
    I felt the same way when I started my blog this year on Valentine's Day. After having sold on Ebay and Etsy..I used the same tactic then, just jump in!!
    I never thought of myself as an artist either, until someone told me I was one...lol!
    LOVE the definition, so from one artist to another...Welcome!!

    Lynn♥

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  14. Hi Myrna..I came over here by way of Dawn's Feathered Nest blog. Welcome and congratulations on your etsy shop. Looking at your etsy after I leave here! Please add me to your give away..I love your mirror and other art work.
    Smiles and blessings, Nancy

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  15. Your words describing your struggles through life touched me and showed me a mirror to my own. Congratulations on this step in the journey. I will certainly be happy to give your giveaway a heads up on my blog.

    Mary
    www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com

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  16. Hello! Got the news of your give-away from The Feathered Nest so zipped right over!
    Congratulations! (I have wanted to open a shop - too busy - not sure- chicken - ??? the list goes on.) Love your cute little "shop".
    But I will go post your giveaway right away- am now a follower and commented so HEY! I did it all!
    What a great piece! I love it!
    Thanks for sharing!!!!
    Karen - Some Days Are Diamonds.

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  17. Love your story and love your creation. I have blog about it and also added to my sidebar.
    Congratulations and best of adventures ;-)

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  18. Myrna,
    YOU GO GIRL! You are so very very talented that you should absolutely have your own etsy shop! I will for sure check it out later today...Congradulations!
    My Best
    Gale

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  19. Just came back for a bit more scrolling down your pages. I had gathered the supplies for the 'book shelves' but have not assembled yet. (Note to self!)
    Noticed the fabric covered end table and then came across the DIY instructions, beautiful. Then the Gaylord...we were there several days before you arrived, too funny. We could have passed in that awesome lobby unaware of our bloggging connection. Of course I had not discovered you yet. But I am sooooo thankful to the Lord for letting our paths cross.
    I look forward to more sharing in the future. (you will notice I also joined in addition to blogging about your giveaway at my place. Cheers!

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  20. What a lovely giveaway. I am also a follower.

    Congrats on your etsy shop, great success & wealth wished fo you.

    Have a beautiful autumn day. TTFN ~ Marydon

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  21. You will do great with your Etsy shop. I have liked your work for quite awhile.

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  22. nothing but ETSY luck to ya!

    mary
    mmorawski@sbcglobal.net

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  23. Congrads on your Etsy! I love Etsy, I have thought of opening a shop myself. Your work is beautiful! GREAT job! I also became a follower today!
    ~Blessings~
    Donna

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  24. Congratulations on your etsy store!! I am sure you will be successful! Can't wait to check it out!

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  25. I am back, I became a follower too!! Your etsy is great! Loving your work.

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  26. Congratulations on rising above your fears & concerns and opening your own shop!

    Your shop looks great!

    mothership3@hotmail.com

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  27. Congratulations on your new Etsy. You made wonderfully cool items. I will go check it all out.

    God bless,
    Elizabeth

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  28. Congratulations on opening your Etsy shop. I took a peep and your creations are beautiful. I wish you great success!

    ~Jermaine~

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  29. I like that definition of an artist and you cetainly qualify! Good for you for taking the plunge! Good luck!

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  30. best of luck with your new etsy shop! your work is wonderful! laura j

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  31. You make beautiful items. I definitely want to be entered - love the addition of the sheet music - right up my alley. Heading back to click follower and add a link.

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  32. Did I remember to congratulate you on your new shop? NO! Well now I have. I also put a link to your giveaway and am now a follower so I can keep checking to see what you have.

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  33. From what I can see, you are absolutly an artist! LOVE your 'stuff'! I am a follower, I posted about you on my blog so please enter me in your fabulous giveaway thrice! Good luck on your new etsy store(you are living my dream!) uffda_68787@yahoo.com

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  34. Gorgeous mirror! Truly artistic. Congrats on your Etsy shop!

    I will link to you on my blog!!

    Sharon

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  35. So beautiful! The giveaway is gorgeous. U are so talented. I adore it. I am also a follower of your blog which is great. Thanks. LINDA

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  36. Hi -- I love your blog! I'm going to become a follower. Thanks for your generosity. Your creation is just beautiful.

    Good luck on your Etsy shop. I'm on the same boat in a way and need to beg some products in there.

    I so love your idea for the tablescape, esp. the placecards. Everything about it is just so exquisite.

    Have a great trip too.
    Nelly

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  37. Myrna, I think I am too late to enter your wonderful giveaway for your lovely art work, I dislocated my shoulder and wasn't up to visiting everyone for a few days :) But regadless, I wanted to tell you how happy I am for you and your new Etsy store, You have created some beautiful pieces!! Myrna, Ud. cree con su corazón (You create with your heart) I hope to one day own one myself to display in my lil bebe studio :) besos, Rose

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  38. Hi from Mary in Maine. I want to congratulate you on your grand opening of your etsy shop. :) Thanks for the chance to win a very lovely prize.

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  39. I have announced your grand opening over on my blog.

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