Cheers and Tears - Reaching Goals

'I was a little emotional last night. I brought flowers and wine to celebrate reaching the final milestone in my five year plan, in just two years, then had a little cry too. I had thought I couldn't really begin my business until my children were all at school. The goals I wrote down at the beginning seemed so unattainable - do a Finders Keepers market, get a professional logo, have my work stocked in a bricks and mortar store, get business cards, postcards, stamps and stickers, a banner, get a metal stamp of my logo, design and make distinct collections, do a photo shoot and look book, get an intern, make a $1,000 sale online, order jewellery boxes printed with my logo. 

I crossed the very last item off my list when the courier arrived yesterday, and I did a little happy dance. Another milestone reached, thanks to a lot of determined work, a lot of support from family and friends, and a lot of wonderful customers - without whom there would be no business. So cheers and tears to all of you for making my dream come true! When I send you one of my new jewellery boxes, I hope you feel just how special it is. xx'

I wanted to share this Instagram post here because this is where it all began. The creative community I met through this space encouraged me to turn my hobby in to a business and supported each milestone I reached. I want to send everyone that had ever visited this space a huge thank you!

Five years? Oh, my!

Today is my Facebook business pages fifth anniversary!

To celebrate, I have made a new header for my Facebook page and my much loved blog.

http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/

I remember when I started my Facebook page, Cohen was just a year old. I had started a blog in 2008 while I was pregnant, in order to document my creative projects and my introduction to motherhood. At the time a friend told me I couldn't just have a blog, I needed a Facebook page too, as that was where people were spending their time online. She said it was a great way for people to find you. Since then 523 people have found me, and we have a lovely little community where everyone nods and smiles at my (attempted) witty comments, and likes my links, pretty pictures and parenting observations.

If not for you my dear reader, I would not still be here five years later, sharing my stories and creativity. I hope you will accept my heartfelt thanks for every time you have clicked over to my blog or Facebook. For every comment, like and share. For every bit of advice and inspiration you have given me. I have grown up so much since starting this blog. I know so much of that has to do with finding this community, becoming a mother, making a space to express my creativity, and building a business with my hands. Thank you once again.

Here's to another five years! xx

Voices of 2014 Top 100 Bloggers

Profile

Yesterday the Top 100 Bloggers, as part of the Voices of 2014, were announced on Kidspot. I am really excited to say that I have been included in this years list! From 1,000 nominations and 600 bloggers nominated, I have managed to end up as one of the Top 40 Beauty and Lifestyle bloggers! Hooray! Feeling a little bit special right now. After blogging for five years I do believe this is the first time I have made it on to any kind of list. And I do so love lists.

There are some serious goodies on offer for the winner of each category and the overall winner this year. Given the company of other lovely bloggers I am in, and that fact that I won't be able to attend any of the invite-only events in Sydney and Melbourne, I shall not get my hopes up too high. Though a six - twelve week blogging internship with Kidspot, a $10,000 Flight Center gift voucher, or a brand new car to drive for twelve months, would all be offers I could not refuse... 

I wanted to say a huge 'thank you!' to everyone who reads my blog, leaves comments, 'likes' posts on my Facebook page, or catches up with me on Instagram. It really has been five wonderful years, being a part of this community - documenting my day to day, musing on home, family and craft, and being supported and encouraged to take the plunge and open an online shop of my jewellery. I wouldn't have taken that leap without you, and I wouldn't be where I am now without your ongoing support. So thank you again dear readers.

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I arrived home with a car full of groceries and two tired children on Thursday to find this dear old lady waiting for me on the drive. I have wanted one of these old sewing machine tables for years. Sometimes it is especially useful to be known in the family as the vintage loving crafty one. Particularly when a family friend saves something like this from going to the tip. A new nail or two will straighten up the wonky drawers, but I do love her just as she is. I moved her straight in to our bedroom, with only quiet protests from my dear husband. It seems good things do come to those who wait.

I celebrated my thirty-first birthday yesterday, along with my dear twin sister. The vase, flowers, candle holders, doilies, tape and brooch were all birthday gifts. So too some Lovely perfume, a chameleon rose for the garden and a set of these gorgeous knitting needles, which are currently on their way to me. Feeling especially loved and spoilt.

Thanks for the birthday wishes on Facebook and Instagram too.
Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend.

Whole Larder Love

Kitty recently had the good fortune to receive a second copy of Rohan's book, Whole Larder Love, which she has generously passed on to me. It's a beautiful title alone, is it not? It arrived in the mail today and has that enticing new book smell. I couldn't resist flicking through the pages as soon as the little ones went down for their naps. Already I sense the authenticity with which Rohan writes and am looking forward to sitting quietly with the book and a glass of wine, delving in to the insights, inspirations and recipes - shopping list and book marks at hand.

Thank you dear Kitty!

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PS. Swappers, pop back tomorrow to leave a link to any ornament swap related posts you have made this past week. Perhaps you have started your ornament? Maybe you have posted inspiration, or tutorials for ornaments? Perhaps you instagramed some progress shots? Share them with our crafty community here tomorrow.

With gratitude

Thank you friends for your generous and uplifting comments on my last post. Your positive responses reaffirmed those things that I am trying to achieve in this space, while making me feel warm and loved at the same time. I shall be making only a couple of small changes then, such as replying to comments individually via email as time allows, as I used to do. It's a wonderful way to continue the conversation. 

Perhaps one day Blogger will introduce an update to the current system, where the blog owner can reply to individual comments on the blog in the comments section, and the reply will also be sent via email to the comments author. Thus sharing the conversation with subsequent readers, but also meaning the comment authors don't need to check back on individual posts comments to see if they have received a reply.  

Once again, thank you for your kind words and encouragement, and for sharing this space with me.

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An unrelated image of my two little loves.

Thank you

A toddler pulls your days along behind them. Cohen is a blur of forward momentum much of the time. Life must go on. And yet. I stood on the door step and received a pouch containing Odin's ashes today, as Cohen constructed paper rabbits above me. I managed to swallow back my tears, but only just. 

This article has proven useful in helping us answer Cohen's questions as they surface. We have been open and honest. He is coping well. Thank you for all your kind words and support. It means so much. There is sadness in my heart, but also so much beauty in my world. 

For the love of books and bloggers

(ImagesByClaire)

Further to yesterday's discussion about reading, I was reminded of Morrissey's 'Handsome devil' song lyrics, "There's more to life than books, you know. But not much more."

I was so pleased to have had my suspicions confirmed by your comments. We are indeed a crafty and well read community, drawn together for similar reasons. My life would certainly be less rich without the joy and knowledge found in books, or the support and inspiration of the blogging sphere. Something worth sharing indeed.

Thank you fellow readers and crafters!

Special Parcels

There have been a few parcels in my letter box of late, in the way of gifts and yarn. Wrapped in vintage sheeting and tied with a special ribbon and a note, Tania sent Emerson these gorgeous vintage baby dresses to add to her collection. I'm lost for words at the thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you again Tania! They are such darling little dresses and I am sure you will be spotting them on the blog in future.

Also in the mail, that bunny to the right of the photo was the contents of this parcel. A sweet little nightlight from Little Brown Mouse, Emerson's Easter gift. (Though Cohen is utterly fascinated by it.) And in another parcel, my new wool arrived from America, which I shall share with you tomorrow.

Oh, I do so love finding parcels on my door step, or hiding in my letter box!
And you? Have you had any special mail lately?
A post card? A parcel? A handwritten letter?

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Savoring every beautiful, sleepy, milk filled moment.

Many thanks for your warm welcoming of Emerson. I hope to share her birth story with you soon.

And all my love to my twin Fiona, who has been sister, friend, Aunty, Grandmother and so much more to my little family. She is beyond compare, and our lives would be so much poorer without her love, support, joy and thoughtfulness. xx

20% Off...

'Away with the Clouds' Earrings $40. Free postage.

As a little thank you for all your wonderful comments and support through out the year I am having my first ever sale. Every handmade piece of jewellery in my Made it and Big Cartel stores has been reduced by 20% for the next week. Postage is still free of charge. 

So if you've had your eye on a particular pieces as a gift for yourself or for a loved one, now is the time to grab it.

Many thanks again! I don't think I would have had the courage to start selling my designs without the encouragement and support of this lovely online community.

Thank you...

Flowers from a thoughtful friend.

Thank you Jane.