Hobby Lobby Day

Today (January 5th) is Hobby Lobby Day. If you don't know, as part of the The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) (commonly called Obamacare), employers have to cover medications that include Ella (also known as the week after pill) and Plan B (better known as the day after pill). These medications violate the values of the family that owns Hobby Lobby. This blog is not meant to be a platform to debate abortion or "Obamacare". While I am personally against abortion and against Obamacare, I think you, my dear reader should also be concerned.

With my full disclosure of my personal beliefs, you may be raising your fist at me. You may feel that abortion is a woman's right, or think Obamacare is good for our country. My reaction:  That's fine, you are entitled to your opinion. Put another way, you are entitled to your values.  Keep in mind that I am entitled to mine in equal measure.

That is the wonderful thing about being an American. We value freedom (or at least I think we did, I'm not so sure anymore). Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the freedom to assemble. We believe in those freedoms so much they are the First Amendment to the constitution.  We are granted a lot of other freedoms as well.

Think about something you really really like. Something you are passionate about. I am passionate about antiques. To help illustrate my point, I am going to use antiques as an example. I adore antiques. I hunt for them, I read about them, I have a house full of them and I blog about them. Does my fever for antiques affect you in anyway? Maybe you are into modern things and you only see antiques as rubbish. If that is your feeling, that is fine with me. Why? It leaves more antiques for me (somewhat joking there). Seriously though, what you put in your house and what I decide to furnish mine with really has no affect on the other.  But, let's say the government came along and said, "You must destroy all objects that are older than two years old to help stimulate the economy."  This proclamation doesn't effect you, as the modern person, as you bought all of your furnishings at IKEA last year, so you decide not to care.

Here's the problem:  If this mandate (clearly fictional and meant as an illustrative device) is allowed, there is nothing to stop the government from later mandating that ALL objects are outlawed; they would prefer our houses to be completely free of objects, as to cut down on the hoarding this nation does. Now, the government mandate does effect you, because you love IKEA and your house full of cool Scandinavian-inspired objects.

I understand my example is overly simplistic and possibly far-fetched.  No matter where your values lie, I want you to think about how important having them and being allowed to embrace them is to you.  Even if they aren't being attacked today, that does not guarantee they won't be tomorrow. I think we have become so divided over "issues" in this country, we fail to see the big picture.  What is happening to Hobby Lobby (and other businesses) is not about abortion, Obamacare or Christian values. It's about freedom. The freedom to have values and the freedom to act according to those values. I don't think it's the government's job to tell us (mandate) if our values are right or wrong.

Hobby Lobby has 22,000 employees and 500 locations. If they were truly a tyrannical company, I doubt they could have grown to that size from operating out of a garage. You can't tell me their stand is about money. They are closed on Sundays to allow their employees time with their families and to worship if that is their custom. If it was all about the bottom line, they would be open on Sunday to make the extra bucks.

So, Dear Reader, I will leave you with these questions. Do you value freedom? Do you value it enough to stand behind someone you might not agree with? If so, go to a Hobby Lobby store and buy something. Heck, pick something crafty and enjoy an afternoon of creating. I assure you it is good for the soul. As for me, I will be headed to my local Hobby Lobby.

Now for my next decision...Do I go to Garland or Rockwall?

Until tomorrow
Melissa

A Pinterest Tale...

Let me start today's Random Thoughts with a question:  Do you Pinterest? If you don't, let me ask a follow-up question:  What rock have you been living under (and is there room for me)? Think of Pinterest as a virtual bulletin board, where you can "pin" various items. You can set up a board for your interests (I have 40) and you can also see the boards of your friends. It can be a wonderful resource if you're crafty, love to cook, love fashion or love cats. It can be very addicting.

I use Pinterest as an inspiration tool (as a jewelry artist, sometimes you just need to see other people's work), though I love the amount of sarcasm and funnies I can find on there as well. The amount of cat pictures also allows me to be a virtual hoarder of cats, thus keeping me from being the crazy cat lady in our neighborhood.

Earlier today I was thinking about a pin I pinned a few weeks ago. It was some instructions for a DIY project and I was ready to look at the instructions more carefully. So I looked at the board I pinned it to based on logic. Was it there? Nope. Okay, there is another logical board, check that one. Nope, not there either. BLAST! Where could it be?

It was at this moment I started to think more carefully about my supposed pin. It was originally a blog (just like the one you're reading now, except more organized and sane). Maybe I never pinned it...nah. I'm all about pinning things when I see them (or so I thought). Maybe I should take a look at my internet browser history.

Ding ding ding! It was a blog (masses rejoice)...and I had not actually pinned it (masses boo in unison). Well, this sucker is NOT getting away from me this time. I pinned it not once, but twice, in both logical places.

Now for the next hurdle...talking my husband into the project.

Happy Pinning Y'all
Until Tomorrow - Melissa

Tired of Competing with China

My dearest reader, I deeply apologize for my absence. I have missed communicating with you, but I have been very busy trying to give my small business a shot in the arm. First, a little history...

In early 2009, I opened my business, Chrysalis Jewelry. This was a side business, giving me a way to sell people my creations from my jewelry studio. Creations that had started as a hobby. It stayed a side business until late last year, when I was let go from my full time job due to my illness (which has now been diagnosed as the autoimmune CREST).  At first I was devastated by the loss. But I had a couple of people mention to me this might be an opportunity to focus on my business full time. As a firm believer in God shutting one door to open another, I decided to give it a shot.

I opened an Etsy shop, something I had drug my heals about up to that point. I started to create items to put in my Etsy shop and I began to market all over social media. I threw myself into my small business heart and soul.

I know it takes a lot of time for a small business to become successful. I did not naively think I would become an over night success (although I sure would take it!!). I knew it would be a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

Late last summer a friend approached me about sharing a booth at a craft fair in late September. It was a $25 investment, so I figured it was worth a shot. About the same time I had a friend tell me of another craft fair that was posted on Craigs list. Once again the booth fee was affordable so I figured I would give that a shot as well. It would give people an opportunity to see my hard work first hand. To pick it up and touch it. I felt it would be a good way to get my name out there.

Long story short, I have seven craft fairs under my belt and I am thoroughly frustrated. I have had ONE craft fair I would deem successful. A couple that were okay and I made a small profit after covering booth fees. Others were a complete bust.

The problem I have run into at these "Craft" fairs is they also allow vendors. Now, I'm cool with people coming in and selling Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and Scentsy. What irks me to no end is being placed next to a booth that also sells jewelry that is imported (which has happened). I make my items by hand, which means this takes time. Not only time to make the items, but time to find (source) materials and buy them. This includes shopping around so I can keep my costs down while still buying quality material.

I'm a good capitalist and I'm all for the free market. However, don't take my booth fee for what is billed as a craft fair and then sit me next to someone who is selling jewelry from China. It's not fair to me, it's not fair to the customers who think they are buying handmade crafts and imported jewelry has no business at a craft fair. I had an acquaintance who was in the same boat at the same craft fair a few weeks ago overhear a conversation between a customer and the imported jewelry vendor. When the vendor was questioned if the items were handmade, the vendor said "not really".

Do you want to help the economy? Do you want to see people in your community get back to work? Then you need to start supporting local merchants, artists, and crafters.  This Christmas I have decided all of my gifts are going to be handmade, either by myself or another crafter. Check out the graphic below:

What do you think? I think shopping local (or at least from someone whose products are made in the USA) is well worth it.

Until Tomorrow
Melissa

PS - Should you want to see my handmade goods, they can be found at here

Handmade Wednesday 9/19/12

Handmade Wednesday

by Melissa Creamer, Crafter of Chrysalis Jewelry

Welcome to the first ever Handmade Wednesday. Each Wednesday, I will feature five crafters you should know about! I will pick an item I think is interesting and feature it along with the artist/ crafter. Are you ready to see what I have picked for this week? Let's get started.

First up is an awesome shop called Forgotten Cotton. They feature handmade infinity scarfs, headbands, arm warmers, and vintage jewelry.  The husband and wife team at Forgotten Cotton come up with the most exciting colors of jersey for their scarves.  The selection makes it hard to pick just one! They have recently started to feature "The Basics", a set of three scarves pre-selected and combined for one low price (you save $10 versus buying them separately). 

Scarfs, $50.00

Next we have Miss Ivy Originals. She has a wide assortment of handmade items, like the beautiful crocheted shawl below, craft supplies (ribbon, beads), and handmade cards.  Miss Ivy has a little bit of everything and is definitely worth a visit!  I own the wrap below in a rose color and I can vouch for how comfy it is to wear on a cool evening. Miss Ivy always welcomes custom orders and even has created a coupon code for my readers. Just use coupon code MIO62012 to get 20% off when you check out. This code will expire on 9/30, so hurry over!

Wrap, $45.00

Who doesn't love jewelry? I know I am personally addicted (which is why I started making jewelry in the first place). The best thing about handmade jewelry is it can be personalized and Beadsoul does that in spades!  You have to check out Beadsoul for the variety of items that can be personalized.  You can even order customized guitar picks! How cool is that?

Hand Stamped Rings, $20.00/ea

I have been blown away by the creations of Emergent Glass Works. The detail in the octopi they are known for is amazing. I have even seen glow-in-the-dark octopi Emergent Glass.  Never fear, they also have beautiful glass flowers, bugs, and jars if cephalopods aren't your thing.  I personally wish I had an extra $250.00 laying around so I could get my tenticles on the beauty below.

Octopus, $250.00

My last pick for the week is a shop called Rainy Roots Studio. This talented lady makes art out of soda cans. Talk about upcycling! You have to visit her shop to believe it! Who would have thought the beautiful "L" below started life as a can?

Upcycled Letter, $18.50

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, so this concludes this week's Handmade Wednesday. Never fear, I will be back next week with five more handmade picks.  Would you like to be featured in Handmade Wednesday?  Just leave me a comment on this blog or give me a tweet. I always love to meet new tweeps!

Until tomorrow - Melissa

Dreams

Last December, a friend approached me about opening a store in a downtown area. She would need me to help run it. In exchange, I would be given an area where I could display my jewelry.  I was really excited about the opportunity.  I knew it would be hard work and at time things would be lean, but I was excited to start on a new adventure.

Unfortunately my friend could never come to an agreement with the building owner on lease terms.  While this was disappointing, I felt that another opportunity would come down the road.  So far, another opportunity to open a store has not presented itself.  This lack of opportunity does not preclude me from dreaming about it.

Lately I have been thinking about how exciting it would be to open a store to feature local crafters. There is such a store in a small town from not far from here. I have put myself on the waiting list to get in. That was a couple of months ago.  There are so many small business crafters and artisans that need a place to display their items.  Websites like Etsy and Ebay are great, but not everyone is willing to take the on-line leap. Sometimes people want to be able to touch the item, examine it before buying.

The other issue crafters have is getting the word out about their items. Sure, there is a lot of social media out there, but how does one cut above the noise? I know I face this issue myself.  Well, I may not currently be able to open a brick and morter store, but I do have this blog.

I wonder what would happen if I would feature a few artisan/crafters each week.  Would my blog help them get some exposure?  I'm willing to give it a try.

So, I would like to start a series called Handmade Wednesdays. I know it's not terribly catchy, but it gets the point across.  Every Wednesday I will feature 5 people who make items by hand,  I would love not to have to go looking for each one every week.  Therefore, if you are a crafter and would love to be featured, just leave a comment to this blog and where I can find your items.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the first Handmade Wednesday!
Until Tomorrow - Melissa

It's All Fun and Games Until...

I typically find humor in what I see as irony.  So the other night when I viewed a clip from "The Daily Show" with people "reporting" from the Democratic Nation Convention about that party being the party of inclusion, I found it humorous (view clip here).  In this clip there is some mockery of gun owners, which is fine. This is America and people have the First Amendment right to say what they wish.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I LOVE period dramas. Tonight's pick was "The Patriot". If you are unfamiliar with this film, it is set during the Revolutionary War and prominently features the militia. As I thought about the militia that fought against the British, I marveled that farmers with hunting rifles could help take down the world's strongest army of the time.

I then thought back to a conversation I had a few years ago with a friend from India. I remarked how both the United States and India had both been British colonies at one time. I asked why she thought there was almost a 200 year difference in the independence of our countries. She remarked, "You had guns, we did not." My friend's remark chills me to the bone to this day.

As I thought about my friend's remark as I watched "The Patriot", I thought once again of the comments made on "The Daily Show". While I understand that "The Daily Show" is about humor, I began to get angry. Not because of what was said per se, but because there are people who truly believe the premise of their mock report.

I believe that our Constitution is an awesome document that gives us freedoms and opportunities that no one else has.  Over 200 years later, people still flock to our shores because of the freedoms and liberties it grants. The First Amendment gives you the right to say what ever you wish. No matter how disgusting or vile your comment is, I will defend it, as it is your right. I do not have to agree with you to defend your right to free speech.

Please understand however, that your First Amendment rights are backed up by the Second Amendment (the right to bear arms).  When America declared her independence, she did not have a standing army to go up against the British. She only had militia. Our founding fathers knew this lesson well, which is why we have the Second Amendment. Let's look at what a few founding fathers said in their own words.

Thomas Jefferson who is credited as being one of the authors of The Declaration of Independence said:

"No Free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

James Madison, along with Jefferson, is credited in the writing of our Constitution. He said: 
"A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best, most natural defense of a free country."

James Madison also said:
"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." 

You don't have to like guns. I'm not trying to convert anyone. However, if you are one of my fellow Americans who does not like them, please respect the right of others to bear them. It's not funny, it's not something to be made fun of. The right to bear arms is what keeps tyranny at bay. I'm all for making jokes and being silly, but freedom is no laughing matter. It's all fun and games until someone takes your rights away.

Until Tomorrow - Melissa

 

An Open Letter To Both Political Parties

Dear Democrats and Republicans,

First, I would like to remind you of something our first President and the only President that did not belong to ANY political party, George Washington, said.

"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion".

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Farewell Address, September 17, 1796

In this election year, I hear both of you leveling charges against one another.  It reminds me of small children fighting. Normally I would not care, but you are spending a lot of money to do this bickering in public. Exorbitant amounts of money, millions if not billions of dollars between the two of you.  Since there isn't a citizen in the country that needs a single thing, this is fine. Oh wait, this country is hurting, badly.

You both claim to "care" about a number of issues (your platforms).  I'm sorry y'all, but I just don't buy it.  If you truly cared, you could take all this money you are spending to educate us on who the "better man" is, and help those you claim to care about.

To the Democrats - I wonder how many medical bills you could pay for what you are spending on your convention and political ads (on all levels for all offices). How many tuition bills could you pay this fall for college students? I wonder what the millions you are spending would do to help the middle class or poor people of America.

To the Republicans - I pose the same questions to you. What could the millions you are spending to get elected or re-elected do toward decreasing the national debt? What could the millions do to bolster national defense?  Better yet, since you care about the economy and business, what could all the money do for small businesses if it was invested there? How many jobs could it create?

Instead of helping your fellow Americans you care so much about (and make campaign promises to), you spend an obscene amount of money to fight each other. As best I can tell, all it does is make the decision this upcoming November a choice between evil and marginally less evil (you, Dear Reader, get to decide who is who on that charge).

As far as I'm concerned, you both need to be sent to time out while responsible, common-sense Americans sort this mess out. A mess you BOTH created. Go ahead, keep pointing fingers at each other, because in the end pointing fingers solves all of our problems.

I realize this blog will probably not shame either party into changing.  It is my hope that the "adults", my fellow Americans, will read this and see the truth in what you are doing. You are dividing us and not uniting us.  My fellow Americans, let's unite against the real enemy here, the politicians.  Let whoever you vote for this November know you are on to them. Let them know that you are tired of the childish shenanigans and you expect some adult problem solving and some adult compromises. My name is Melissa Creamer and I approve this message.

Until tomorrow - Melissa