***OPENING!!!!!!**** 8/8/15!!!

 

 So, finally!!!! the doors will open!!!!! It's REAL!!! (insert huge amounts of GIDDY!!!) It feels like the last 3 months have both flown by and have drug on, somewhat painfully at times.  I wasn't expecting to leave my corporate job in the mix here and my entire world got WAY off kilter, so basically NOTHING has gone according to the original plan I had in my head.   But enough about that! We made it!!! :) and here's the NEW plan (exactly as it was supposed to be!)
   

Beginning August 8, 2015 I cordially invite you to come see me!!! While things will not be perfect (and I've gotten ok with that) and we will continue to grow/expand as I get grounded in here's what you can expect:

Metal Workshop Room OPEN!:

The workshop room will be open for walk ins to make whatever metal we may have on the shelf. (First come, first serve and space is limited).  If we have it you can make it.  I will try to posts list weekly as to what is on the shelves as we move thru pieces as the seasons changes -- WHO'S READY FOR SOME PUMPKINS!?!?!? (Coming soon!)

"Showroom" Space: 

Let's agree to use this term "showroom" very very loosely here pretty please!

APPAREL: I will have several different apparel styles that I like to use on hand in multiple sizes and colors so you can actually see how they will fit, try them on, choose what works best for you.  There will also be examples of some popular apparel designs "hanging" around as well.  For future, once I figure out what you'd like to see/what's popular, I plan to have designs already cut and apparel on hand and it becomes a "Pick, Press N' Go!" type operation! 

UNIQUE STUFF: I will be stocking some fun, seasonal appropriate items that can be personalized just for you! for example, I currently have about 40 LED Lighted Halloween Buckets in a myriad of colors, these really cool canvas "Santa Sacks" (they are big like 34X22) that can be personalized with your  child's name.  I also have Burlap Christmas stockings with Red and Green polka dot "tops" as well as Red and Green Chevron "tops" that can be personalized!

 My friends over at Sangamon Reclaimed also made me some really cool "Sign blanks" in 2 different sizes 14X14 and 20X20 that I simply can not wait to make some examples of what can be done with them. Pinterest much?!?! Then you KNOW the possibilities! So excited to get my hands on those!  These are just examples of the kinds of super unique things I'd like to bring to you!

I hope you will join our text club to stay "in the know" of when new, fun items arrive and/or shop happenings.  I always share "HOT OF THE PRESS" information there FIRST!

METAL: Yes!!! We WILL Make you any of our Metal designs if you're just not the DIY type.  Please bear in mind each and every piece is an original and may very slightly from the picture(s) you may have seen.  We will personalize it in any way you want too (Colors, Monograms, names, etc).  The goal here is to have some seasonal pieces hanging around that you can come "pick" off the wall and we will personalize it right on the spot (Pick, Personalize & GO! ) :)

Well, that kinda sums up what you can expect when you walk thru the door.  I can not WAIT! to see you! While it may not have shaken out the way I originally saw it, I do think it is going to be great & I truly am looking so forward to incorporating YOUR feedback into the shop too.

WHAT ELSE?
There will be a "Grand Opening" at some point in the near future as all the "dust settles".   TBD.

It is also really important to me to be able to do some events/activities that give back to our community.  While I don't know for sure what that looks like right at this moment, expect to see more from me on community support/fundraising, etc.  Maybe it's 10% of the week's profit to a specific charity etc.  Again Im not sure, but as it comes to me, I will share with you.

I am also planning a week of celebration for cancer survivors in October.  Like two nights of Workshop PAR-TAY!, completely FREE for some cancer survivors and their guest. Since my workshop space is limited, we will probably have to do it by "drawing and/or nomination" or some sort.   We will be using a Metal Ribbon shape, and while it will be in October, Ribbons can be any color representing the Cancer who's BUTT! they have/are kicking! -- More to come on that too!

Well, I guess that probably sums it up for now. (ever notice I ramble on.... LOL, but really...)

Thank you all so so very much for your continued you support! Love Y'all!!!!!
I will see you soon!!!
XOXOXO,
-Tammy

Dream Until Your Dream Comes True......

Me! at AT&T Stadium - Go Cowboys     

Who put the X in Texas? - Fun from my trip!

As you all know I also work full time.  And, you also may remember my Facebook post from last week where I was in Dallas, Texas traveling for my day job.  The reason I was there was to finalize the transition of my work responsibilities.  August 7, 2015 will be my last day at AT&T. 

    

     WOW, right?   It's so hard to believe, I was hired by what was Illinois Bell back then when I was 17 years old, just 2 weeks out of high school.  While this was not my original plan related to when I would leave/retire from AT&T, this IS God's plan and therefore it is perfect!! There has been so much to work thru in the last couple of months (I've known I was leaving since the end of May).  Retirement is a huge life change and I will tell you this transition has been easily Top 5 hardest things I've faced thus far in this ride called life.   It's really really scary!  A lot of the emotion I have been working thru has really been related to "who am I without AT&T" as crazy as that may sound.  "Will I lose part of who I am?"  I've finally come to realize that "my journey has prepared me for the greater good, and it was exactly as it needed to be." Or put differently; These last 28 years have made me into the person I need to be, given me a lot of the skills I need, and ultimately prepared me to now go live MY dream.  I know the last couple of months my head has not been on straight, I've been distracted, and some days I've honestly just been unfit for human  interaction.   While it has been personally, and emotionally challenging I honestly could not feel more blessed on the other side of working it all through. 

I made this out of an old payphone placard I found at an antique shop

     Other than to say my leaving AT&T earlier than my initial plan of retiring when I had 30 years service (which would've been Summer 2017), was not related to my performance or anything I personally did and I had input.  I have NOTHING but positive, wonderful things to say about AT&T and how well they have treated me as an employee in the last 28 years.  I was hired as a 17 year old temporary employee and it became an absolutely incredible career! Which is why it's been so emotional, I am emotionally attached the incredible people I work with.  

Another happy note, I am also fortunate enough to be able to take all of my benefits with me (Again another God thing... I made being able to take by benefits by 3 days.....3 DAYS!!!).  

Thankfully our parents taught us to save, and our awesome financial planner says there will be groceries....LOL! 

Dream until your DREAMS come true!

      So, on August 8th, 2015 (5 days shy of my 46th birthday) I will be 100% Self Employed!!!! and the dream of running this business full time will come true!!! (insert happy tears!)

The timing could not be more perfect! (should I say "God thing"! again)   I will be pushing the opening of the shop to August 8, 2015 to coincide, but the workshops that are scheduled for 8/4 & 8/6 will still be held at the shop and the workshop room is almost ready! to go! 

     I will share more this week related to how things are going to shake out having a major life change to work out in the mix, but I am SO EXCITED!!!! and I'm really looking forward to what's next for It's Scrapicated!!!!

Dream Until Your Dreams Come True!!!

XOXOXOXO,

-Tammy

Transitioning from Etsy

Just when I think I am doing a self-proclaimed "much better job" at keeping track of all the different ways order inquiries, discussion and ORDERS come in (FB, Etsy, Text, etc) there is inevitably something that happens that slaps me right in the forehead and says "NO YOU'RE NOT!" Yesterday it happened .... I lost track of someone's order.  (Insert mass hysteria over here) Not only is this terribly disappointing for the person (which is the worst part) it is also makes me feel horrible and sad and then I start with counter-productive self talk which helps no one.

SSSSOOOO, I've been thinking about transitioning away from Etsy for a while now.  Simply put, while it's an "out of the box" solution, the seller fees are ridiculous.  This is just a tiny business and paying hundreds (yes hundreds) of dollars a month in just Etsy fees before you even tack on the percentages to process payments, listing fees, etc  it really is crazy how much money is just "gone".  Obviously keeping costs down benefits us both.

Having said all of that I have been researching a solution that will work for everything; I will be transitioning all the things I had been posting to Etsy directly to a new e-commerce solution powered by ecwid.  You'll be able to purchase items, send me custom order request and register for workshops DIRECTLY from ItsScrapicated.com.  YAY!!!

There will be a place to submit your custom design requests so there is an actual "order" for the design creation.  There will be a very minimal fee ($5) to have your custom design created BUT that $5 will be applied to your order once the design is finalized.  You will be able to purchase your custom designed creation directly from the Shop/Register page of the website with a Custom Listing that is just for you.  All workshop (It's Scrapicated by YOU!) registration will be  there as well along with the items I rerfer to as "stock" items (Glitter FanWear, etc)    This solution also gives you an order that you can see vs wondering "is she working on that text I sent".

What?!?!? Everything in the same place -- say it isn't so?!?? -- LOL  It's going to take a bit to transition everything over but any/all NEW items will be found at Shop/Register 

As you may have noticed a CALENDAR has been also added to the website so you can see what is upcoming too related to workshops.

I think this is going to be FAN-TASTIC!!! and if nothing else I hope you're excited that I may potentially stop losing your orders. :)

Here's to continual change and improvement!!! and Thank you for patience as this one woman show works thru the occasional growing pain.

Peace, Love & Glitter!!!
-Tammy

Chevron Heart Tutorial - Valentine's Day Metal

Ah-DOOR-Able Valentine Chevron!

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. -Mother Teresa

I'm not sure why I love Valentine's Day so much.... maybe because it's because it's the first holiday following the Christmas rush, maybe it's because it's closely followed by St. Patricks Day, then Easter which means SPRING! which is my favorite season (renewal, warmth, flip flops...) or maybe it's just because "....and the greatest of these is LOVE!..." (1 Cor 13:13).  

While I do agree the Valentine's Day is over-commercialized and as some may refer to it "a Hallmark holiday", but having a day set aside every year to celebrate LOVE, that's frankly awesome.   Love one another doesn't have anything to do with marital love or who's your significant other (in my humble opinion)  it's about loving your fellow human, sharing a smile, showering extra kindness on those in your world.... so let's show em' some LOVE!

This super easy tutorial which you can complete in under 2 hours will have you crafting up a perfect Valentine's Day piece that is simply ah-DOOR-able for your front door.  Go ahead show your neighbors the LOVE!  The kit comes complete with:
1 White Primered Metal Heart
.25 yard of Red/White chevron fabric
3 yards of coordinating ribbon (Ribbon will vary based on availability)
1 pipe cleaner to secure your ribbon/bow
More Polka Dots than you'll need
1 Wire Hanger
1 LOVE stencil 

You'll simply add Black Acrylic paint and Mod Podge (available at any craft store your favorite Wally-World) and you'll need a couple paint brushes, a sharpie and a pair of scissors.  All of this is fully covered in the tutorial video too. 

So are you ready so show some LOVE?!?! I have a very limited number of kits available, grab your kit HERE and check out the YouTube Tutorial HERE. Feel free to subscribe while you're there too :)

I'd really! love to hear your feedback and to see your masterpiece too!!! Comments MoRe than WELCOME!

Peace, Love & Glitter!!
-Tammy

RAOK - Thank a Police Officer - Free Printable

In keeping with my 2015 goals, one of which is to blog more, what could be more fitting than a Random Acts of Kindness post? IMHO (in my humble opinion), not much - Kindness Matters! And who could be more deserving of a RAOK than a police officer? Again, IMHO, not many; I come from a long line of this special breed of human.

They are the protectors of the thin blue line.  Oh that line.... while the depiction is so simple it

represents what law enforcement officers (LEOs) protect, it is the barrier between anarchy and a civilized society, between order and chaos, between respect for decency and flagrant lawlessness, in short it's a HUGE responsibility.  It takes an incredible type of person to put their safety and the future of their family on the line every day knowing each time they walk out the door they risk having to sacrifice their life for a stranger.

Let me just address this in case it's a point of contention for anyone (let's air it out!) ...YES, yes there are "bad apples" - there are bad apples in EVERY SINGLE line of work in existence.  No one, not you, not me, and not any of them are beyond being human, though they are expected to be; how's that for a little pressure on the job? I don't know about you but  my line of work my failure to act in moments of stress that I cannot even probably comprehend or a split second of hesitation does have the potential to end a human life.   

So back to who's more deserving than a LEO of a little ROAK? Not Many - :)  Using digital papers available for immediate download I found on Etsy, I've created these free printable that easily holds a gift card.  As cold as it is in the Midwest, I know a $5 Starbucks gift card for a hot coffee would be a perfect token of appreciation.  


Simply print them out (2 per sheet) preferably on card stock to add a little substance to them, cut them out, then cut around the "Thank you" circle to make a place for your gift card - insert your gift card, fold the bottom up to the top of the gift card, fold the top over,  print out & cut out the "thank you sticker" and adhere - VIOLA! A perfect little inexpesinve THANK YOU! that will mean the world to the recipient. 

"Thank you for your selfless commitment to protect and serve.  May you never doubt yourself in the face of lawlessness and may you always return home safely.

Stay Warm!"

Click here to download the Thank You Note

Click here to download the Thank You Seal

I hope you'll enjoy spreading some joy and supporting your local LEOs.  Clearly I'm a huge supporter of the law enforcement community.  Some Heroes wear capes, mine wears Kevlar! 

I'd absolutely! love to hear your feedback and/or your stories in the comments below!!!

Peace, Love & Glitter!!!

-Tammy

Two-Oh-One-Five: Be PRESENT!

Happy! New! Year!!! Two-Oh-One-Five!!!

Oh the New Year...New Year is my absolute most favorite holiday! There is just something simply magical to me about a brand new big ole' blank 365 days! It's about renewal, hopes and dreams. If I'd have to pick just one word to describe me, it would be definitely be Dreamer! I'm still learning how to put all my dreams into action, thus goals and ultimately accomplishments... because I could also be described as a bit of a procrastinator... I just like to think of it as I work better under pressure. LOL!

When I thought about and dreamed of 2015, so so many thoughts and things I wanted to accomplish were running around in my head like a gaggle of 3 year olds on a massive sugar high. Then I ran across the idea somewhere in my travels thru cyberspace of picking just one word, just one word to focus you year on.... one word?!?! Hhuuumm, it was really hard, but finally I decided on PRESENT. For me this one word means to be "in the moment" whatever that moment is....I'm a constant multi-tasker (as are most women (no offense to the gentlemen)). I will respond to texts while also trying to listen to my sons current question. I'm impatient when my husband tries to show me affection if I'm in the middle of trying to complete something else. I'm not proud of it, it's just the truth. So with these things in mind (just to name a couple, there are 100s) -- PRESENT is my focus for 2015.

I WILL be PRESENT in 2015!!!

As I know there are for you too, there are many things I want to accomplish in 2015, in my spiritual life, my "around the house" life, in my relationships and in both my day job and for It's Scrapicated.

SPIRITUALLY:

-Declare God's promises over my and my family & friends:

*Keep out the Negative self-talk - counties effort to redirect negative thoughts whenever they         creep in and try to take hold.

*Continually look for God's favor in our life by keeping a Gratitude journal. I got the coolest Gratitude Journal HERE

*Be continually in a mode of growing closer to Jesus thru bible study and serving as his hands and feet.
Note: We recently on 12/26/14 had the opportunity to help serve a meal at the at the homeless overflow shelter here in Springfield, IL.  It was a fantastic experience! Create many MORE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES and also include the kids.

Around the House:

Oh this is so long overdue - I bought the house we live in back in May 2003 when my ex-husband and I divorced, while some things have been updated, some things are LONG overdue and some just need done to make our home more "us"

-Complete several minor and MAJOR "Home Improvement" projects

MINOR:

*Hall Bath Makeover (New wall paint, new shower curtain, try my hand at chalk paint/wax on the vanity and over the toilet cabinet)  Here's the new shower curtain I purchased as is one the way... so EXCITED!   Shower Curtain ------>

*Laundry Closet - Oh the laundry closet!!! It is exactly that - A closet in the hallway - NOT FUNCTIONAL! Well, it's functional as it houses the washer/dryer but by adding a vibrant paint color to the back wall, adding some new storage and hanging solutions I think this will serve us much better!  

SEMI-MAJOR:

*Put the TV above the Fireplace!! While this should probably fall into the "minor" category; all of the drywall from the fireplace wall and the 1/2 wall that connects HAS TO BE REMOVED to get the "wires" relocated.  Believe me on this; I've had at least 3 different companies out here to try ANY other solution!!  

*Master Bedroom/Bath Makeover - This one isn't overly complicated, it's just going to require some time and some money.  This is the only room that still has the original construction grade carpet in it! YUK!! I am NOT NOT NOT a fan of carpet pretty much anywhere in the home; area rugs - love them. Carpet, no.  We plan to extend the flooring that covers our living room into the master,  new paint, new textiles etc etc.  I don't have all the design details worked out here yet, but I do believe THIS is the inspiration piece for the room! LOVE! IT~ 

MAJOR:

Kitchen/Dining Remodel -- This is the biggy!!!! There is a wall between our kitchen and living area; it needs to GO! Our house is small and modest and I think by removing the wall (I already know it is not load bearing) will make the space so awesome!  The dining room table will move back as I plan to buy a pub-high table that has corner seating -- You can see the table I have in mind HERE  We also plan to add a 2 seat breakfast bar on a functional base cabinet to give us back some of the storage we will loose (The wall that is leaving is lined with cabinets)  Of course then there will be new appliances,  glass tile backsplash and new countertops.  This is a dream I've been carrying around for years!!!! 

This is our current set up - You can see the floor that will be extended into the Master, were the new mounted TV will go there is a mirror now and in the far right of the pic is the wall that MUST GO! 

That's a big list for "around the house" I know -- These things also spring board over to the Goals for It's Scrapicated.....

It's Scrapicated

BLOG

*Blog More!!!

 I plan to document and blog each of the projects I listed under "around the house".  I certainly do not know it all about DIY, I know enough to know when I need a contractor though... LOL  As It's Scrapicated is a big part of who I am, many project created in the It's Scrapicated style will no doubt be a part of how the projects come out

*Expand Make N' Take

I've gotten a lot of interest about bringing the Metal Make N' Take classes to other towns, I'm diligently working to get that off the ground.  Girls night outs are a BLAST,  but more fun if you don't have to then drive an hour to get home.  More to come

*Create YouTube Tutorials

In the spirit of the first two I'd like to use my YouTube Channel to create the tutorials on the "How to" that is learned in the Make N Take workshops and then offer a "kit" to create it that can be shipped.  

*Move all Custom Orders to Etsy 

I lose stuff!!!! AND I forget! This could be an organizational issue, but I think if I move everything using CUSTOM LISTING functionality to Etsy once we agree on a proof; this helps not only keep track but it puts everything in one place for my income tracking too -- The IRS seems to care about that income thing quite a lot! LOL

The Day Job

*Be PRESENT!

Yep that's it -- Just BE THERE mentally, physically, and spiritually and continually look for the ways to grow in my interactions and accomplishments.  

I've been doing my current job for what will be 12 years in February, I know how to do it, not to sound overly conceited, but I'm pretty gosh darn good at it, (Duh! I should be I've been doing it 12 years).  I struggle with being present because I think about that 30 year mark so much.  I really do like my day job and my boss is pretty cool too. After 12 years working for the same person, they also become your friend.   I just also after 27 years have other things I want to do (i.e.... It's Scrapicated)  So just being present and being the best employee I can be is my focus (yea, cheesy I know) 

and finally.....

Relationships

Grow my relationships with my husband, kids, family and friends!!!!

I do not really have any "bullets" for this other than this simply means taking the time to cultivate the relationships in my life.  I chose not to go to several events in 2014 with my husband because I was "working".  It's kinda sad, but it's true.  Back to being PRESENT!  We plan to do a couple long weekends with our kiddos (Thinking Chicago and maybe St. Louis for the Summer).  And we're definitely taking a week long kid-free vacation somewhere that includes sand, saltwater & umbrella drinks.   I will make being present with my family a priority in 2015 creating a little more "white space" in the calendar and ensuring my planning skills are TOP NOTCH!!

I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for 2014! It was ah-mazing! and I pray for God's mercy, grace, favor and love to shine brightly on each of you in 2015!

Peace, Love & Glitter!

-Tammy

"Just One More Thing To One More Person....."

     Ah, the struggle is real.  There are days I just want to SCREAM "I cannot be one more thing to one more person!" While making a dramatic exit and leaving whomever has just used up that proverbial last nerve in a wake of instantaneous understanding as to why I just I had melt-down.   As a grown up (most of the time anyway) I attempt to act as if I have at least some sense, I've never actually done this, I do however fantasize about it occasionally.

Perhaps we tend to lose track of the number of hats worn in a day; mom, wife, employee, business owner, housekeeper, laundry doer, chef(well ok that's a stretch, make that food preparer), and taxi driver just to name a few.  It can be completely overwhelming! Not so long ago I had a complete "I Quit!" attitude related to running my own business, the demands were too much, I was sad, I was irritable and I just gave up.   While I absolutely LOVE being able to "create"! Hey! "Makers gonna Make!" as they say but I had NO PLAN for how to work full time, run a nearly full time business and still be a mom & wife.  NO PLAN!! And because there was no plan, I failed..... failed myself miserably.  I took the summer off (summer off - that's how I refer to it now, sounds so much nicer than I QUIT!)  I did not make one single thing from June thru the end of August 2014.  It felt good, I felt refreshed, we took a vacation with our kids, some of the pressure was gone, but something was missing! I had found MY passion how could I just walk away? I couldn't!!!  So I regrouped with A PLAN:

1.  Plan what you'll do and do what you plan! - Simple huh? Should've thought of this sooner! Everyday now I review the "landscape" of what needs done that day and what is upcoming.  I know every single day the list of MUST DOs! This ranges from being at my son's sports banquet, creating the grocery list to what Etsy orders must ship the following morning. Whatever it is, IT. IS. ON. THE. LIST!

2. Advance preparation - Dinner always left me feeling inadequate.  I could never answer the "what are we having for dinner" question which lead to the Wendy's drive thru. Very healthy!  Now, every week, typically on Sundays we plan the menu for the week and my hubz heads to the grocery store. It's no longer a point of contention and everyone always knows the "what's for dinner" answer.  Another example, if I have a "hot seller" and an order pending, I always make an extra cut of vinyl so when the next order comes in, I just press & go.  That old killing 2 birds with one stone analogy.

3.  Learning to say No - I am still not a fan of the word no.  I'm a people pleaser to some degree and I do not want anyone to be disappointed.  Well, how about you tell someone YES and then find out the answer is really NO... that is 200% worse, OK may 1000% worse for the client you already told Yes only to figure out that you are overextended. Now your customer is in a lurch and I guarantee you they will not be back.  They'd rather you say no so they can make other arrangements and they will probably think of you again in the future when you may be able give a resounding YES! So, now when I get approached to do custom work, I assess everything in the "plan" (See #1) and respond accordingly.

4. Review the Product Line -  I assessed my "product line";  I knew what sold and what didn't for the most part.  I also looked at where to get the most "bang for my buck" so to speak.  For example,
I Love Jesus! (and I drink a little) is selling like hotcakes all over the country but somethings that had no activity I removed.  There are some things that are great to do/make but if you spend 2 hours and make $1, that might not make good business sense.  I ditched the things that either didn't get much response or that cost me more to make than I sold them for (yeah, I actually used to do that, very profitable - :) )

5.  Find an order management process  - Orders! Orders! Everywhere there were orders! Text! Messenger! Email! and every single thing was a custom request.  I moved most everything to Etsy! It was a no brainer for me, as Etsy is designed for handmade items, the system was there, and it's easy to use, it manages my orders and I have a clear, concise picture of what needs done.  It also allows my customers to request custom order and for me to post their custom listing back to them for payment. Game changer!!!

6.  PRAY - I saved the best for last.  If you checked out that "about me" page, you know I'm a "God girl" so prayer is a pretty big part of life for me.  Sometimes I think the day is just one big prayer.  I start each day with "show me where to focus" and I end each day with "thanks".  If I focus on following God's lead, it works for me.  I stay calm, it gets done and the need to scream "I cannot be one more thing to one more person!" becomes much less of a "thing".

I love! the above quote from Steve Jobs (I'm a Apple girl too!) "The only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you haven't found it yet. Keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart you'll know when you find it."  It's not easy, mistakes will be made but the journey is so worth it even if it looks like a beautiful mess some days!


Peace, Love & Glitter!!!
-Tammy