Balance

I have yet to really find out how to strike a balance between being a mom and running a business. It is HARD. The lines get further blurred since I work at home. When I am doing one thing, I am most often always worried I am neglecting something else. Am I devoting enough time to Ella? To my business? To my husband? To my home? To MYSELF?! The last thing on my mind has been devoting time to my blog, to be quite honest. (Which is why there has been a long absence in my posts!) However I felt the random need tonight to just release some of these thoughts.

Since my last post in September, business has really boomed. I never really imagined that things would take off so quickly! I signed up for several craft fairs last fall and winter. Craft fairs were fun but preparations took way more time than I imagined. I had great success at the Chestnut Hill Craft Show, and some unsuccessful trysts at local Hanukkah bazaars. I took advantage of running a "Black Friday" sale in my Etsy shop. I got 23 orders in 3 days over that weekend whereas I had been averaging about 20 orders a MONTH.  The orders kept rolling in throughout Christmas, as I offered holiday items this year. In the week leading up until the Christmas Order ship date cutoff, I was getting about 2 hours of sleep a night. I pulled my first all-nighter since college. I find it extremely ironic that my lack of sleep since Ella was born has NOTHING to do with her! She has been an amazing sleeper from the start and has been sleeping through the night since 3 weeks old. I think through the Christmas rush, I was running on adrenaline. I was on a high that so many people wanted my artwork!

Though I still love getting orders, I think the high has worn off a bit, especially due to burnout. I thought that being a "work at home mom" would be the ultimate ideal! I had visions of working happily in my studio while Ella played next to me each day. Doing something I really loved. I had visions of a flexible schedule and not having to punch in the clock. I had visions of having to answer to no one. I had read in some business books that most people really romanticize being their own boss, and I certainly fell victim to this! While being your own boss IS pretty cool, it is NOT easy. My schedule is WAY less flexible than ever. I have to wake up by 8 to ensure I have enough time to get things done, and I am often up working late hours after everyone falls asleep, sometimes until 2am. I rarely have a weekend when I dont work. (I also tutor on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings- so my weekends are certainly pretty shot!) I am the art department, the shipping department, the packaging department, the customer service department, the marketing department.... ETC. You get my drift! I am NOT sitting around painting all day. I still can't believe how long is takes me to nicely package up an item! What I would give to have someone else take care of packaging and deal with the dreaded post office.

The orders were still coming in at a rapid pace after Christmas, and I kept taking everything on, not really knowing what my limit was. I reached my limit in early February. Scott and I had planned a little getaway to Mexico for 4 days. His grandfather sadly passed away shortly before we went away. Before this experience, I never really appreciated the fact that when you work for a company or a school, that most of the time, when you take time off for bereavement or vacation, the whole company or school doesnt collapse because you are gone. Other coworkers can help cover your workload or a substitute teacher comes into your classroom. You can go back to work and pick up where you left off.

The harsh realization that I am in this alone really hit when I lost several days of work time due to Scott's grandfather's death and vacation. No one was there to cover for me or help me out. Business didn't keep on running. Everything stopped. I got REALLY behind. And I had time sensitive orders that needed to be shipped out in time for baby showers, new mommies who were anxious to set up their nurseries, new baby gifts, birthdays, etc. I just about killed myself before we went away, and by the time we got to Mexico, I felt as if I could barely relax. I was on edge constantly checking my site and making sure orders has arrived on time and customers were happy. I have run across some unhappy customers in my 500+ orders, but luckily they have been few and far between. And I have been able to resolve most issues amicably. It is really hard not to take things personally when you have an unhappy customer. Every single piece I create is handmade and though it sounds cheesy, it is kind of an extension of myself. I dont know if EVERYONE can appreciate the love, sweat and tears that goes into handpainted work. However, almost everyone I have worked with has been amazing! I had so much fun planning and decorating for Ella so I can certainly relate to those mommies-to-be!

After just about killing myself to get things done in time for Christmas, and suffering a major setback in February, I knew something had to give. After seeking some advice from other Etsyians, I decided to raise some of my prices to slow down sales, extend my wait time (which I hated doing) and even closed my shop for a few days to catch up on orders. I finally got to the point where I felt like I could breathe a bit. This came just in time for the nice weather to come around. I didnt quite mind holing myself up during the winter, but with the nice weather came my desire to finally get fresh air and fully enjoy time for myself and Ella. She LOVES being outside and taking walks in her strollers, and kicks and squeals in delight while we are out.

And speaking of my little Ella, she is just the best. I am so so so grateful to be home with her despite this insane and crazy schedule. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, I look at her and feel a sense of peace. I dont know if I will ever strike a balance between mom, wife and artist. I know that things still need to change. I am learning, and I am trying my hardest................. thats really all I can do right now.

Two Months

Two months? Already? Before I know it, Ella will be 18! I took photos of Ella yesterday on her two month birthday and she already looks SO much bigger than she did in her one month pics. It is so amazing watching her grow- and even better, seeing her smile!

Happiness

Have you ever felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be? I am feeling that way right now, and it is a really wonderful thing. I have gone through times in my life where I was very confused and clouded with doubt, so having this clarity and feeling of peace is something I don't take for granted. Motherhood is amazing and I feel really lucky that I can potentially turn my passion for painting into more than just a hobby.

That being said, I don't feel like I randomly ended up in this place because of fate or luck. I chose to be where I am today. Just wanted to share my happiness today with all of you!

Kid's Korner: Butterfly Orb

I know that when I was looking for mobiles for Ella's nursery, I wanted to find something really special. The mobile can be a beautiful focal point in your baby's room. I am very excited to introduce this awesome shop, Butterfly Orb, full of gorgeous, light and whimsical butterfly mobiles. Not only are they a unique design piece for nurseries, but babies love to observe the orb's gentle movement and grace as well. 

Butterfly Orb is owned by Ann and Mark, and I had the pleasure of conversing with Ann. Ann has always loved creating and taught special education for many years. Butterfly Orb opened on Etsy last November. Ann says "I love having the idea of the orb as a piece of art that grows up as the room changes....the mobiles are rather timeless that way. You can also use the inside of the orb for special notes, or a visit from the tooth fairy, or hang a crystal inside, or you can hang ribbons from the orb."

What a gorgeous color scheme!

Each orb is completely handcrafted and takes about 3 hours to make. Ann really likes to work with her customers to create a piece that is a perfect fit for their child's nursery.

"I love getting photos from Moms to be (mostly Moms to be) showing their nursery designs or bedding and then together we talk about the design...some of our collaborative efforts I post at our Etsy store to show others what great color combinations can be created."

A crisp and clean nursery with a Butterfly Orb that gives the room a fun pop of color.

When I asked Ann how the concept for Butterfly Orb began, she said:

"It really was a butterfly that kept coming around every morning, the same butterfly, and each morning with a cup of coffee we would have a visit. Sometimes it would land on my shoulder! Sometimes, it would be at the window in the afternoon, just fluttering around.  Then we starting to talk about butterflies, and movement, people love movement and after much, and many and terrible beginnings we finally landed on the orb design...we knew we wanted an orb shape."

This is Ann's current favorite mobile. "I love how subtle it is and lately soft gray and cream have an appeal to me."

One of Butterfly Orb's happy customers says, "We absolutely love our daughter's butterfly orb mobile! But more importantly, she loves it. So much more beautiful and interesting than the mobiles sold at the big chain stores. Everyone who sees our daughter's nursery is immediately drawn to the butterflies delicately floating above her crib. I have recommended this product to many people! Thanks so much!"

You can be another happy customer after visiting Butterfly Orb on Etsy. Go ahead and take a look!

Monthly Photos

Happy One Month, Ella!

My little girl turned one month old on 8/7/11! I of course wanted to take great photos to document her growth, so I turned to the internet to do a bit of research. I found some really fun and creative ideas. In the end I decided to stick with what I know and love: my blocks! My plan is to add a bird block to the set each month. I thought I would share some of the fun photos I found while researching monthly photo ideas to document your baby's growth. Enjoy!

Felt letters and numbers. So bright and colorful!

Baby on a calendar. Simple... yet genius!

Ever seen the monthly stickers? You can stick em on onesies, too. This is a popular product on Etsy.

Had to throw this one of Ella in for good measure. I had lots of fun with our first monthly photo shoot, she obviously felt differently :)

Baby On the Go!

Mommy and Ella all ready for a walk.

I love the concept of the baby carrier.

Benefits for Mommy:

1. No bulk of the stroller systems! Makes it so easy to move around with baby in tow.
2. A fantastic way to get some fresh air and exercise. What new mommy doesn't want to fit into her pre-pregnancy clothing again? (Although some of my maternity pants were awfully comfortable).
3. Bonding time with your baby by holding her close to your body. There's no better feeling than having your little peanut snuggled up against you.

 Benefits for Baby:

1. Babies are soothed and supported in a natural way that reminds them of the womb; they can hear the familiar rhythm of your heartbeat and rock and sway with you as you walk.
2. Baby carriers provide a safe place for your little one to explore the world with you.
3. Encourages bonding and enhances learning development.

I have a Chicco UltraSoft Infant Carrier. So far I like it, however, I find it a little challenging to gracefully get Ella into the carrier. I know a lot of people swear by the Baby Bjorn Comfort Carrier. If you use a baby carrier, what brand do you use? Do you like it?

Kisses in the carrier.

Nursery Inspirations: Jungle Love

Gypsy Lane's "Jungle Love" Blocks, one of our most popular designs. To view these blocks on Etsy, click here.

If you are designing a Jungle themed nursery, why not put a little modern twist on it? Jungle decor is really popular, so you have a lot of options when you are choosing your items. Check out these finds below to give your Jungle themed nursery a fun, fresh and contemporary look. How can you not love those Safari Animal pillows and gorgeous Giraffe lamps?!

Jungle Love by rachellaura86 on Polyvore.com

Wall Decor - All
babybedding.com

SAFARI ANIMAL PILLOWS | safari animal pillows, home decor, unique...
$95 - uncommongoods.com

Baby Lion Rug | Pottery Barn Kids
$399 - potterybarnkids.com

Labyrinth Blue Rug by The Rug Market, Rugs, Rugs for Boys
$176 - rosenberryrooms.com

Staying Creative!

Suggestions 7, 10, 13 and 19 usually help  me when I'm in a rut.
How about you?
Do you have any other suggestions for keeping your creativity thriving?

Nursery Inspirations: Classy Girl

When a customer contacts me requesting a new theme or color palette I haven't worked with before, I am thrilled. I had fun working with the pink, black and white theme on this new set of "Classy Girl" Blocks. I had so much fun, in fact, that I set up a collection inspired by these blocks. Check out the nursery items I envision these blocks coordinating with below. I have to give thanks to my friend Jaci who introduced me to polyvore.com, which is a super fun site that lets you design your own inspiration boards! New obsession!

Gypsy Lane's "Classy Girl" Blocks on Etsy. Find them here.

Classy Girl Nursery by rachellaura86 on Polyvore.com

Bark Diamond Throw Pillow
gingerbreadmonkeys.com

Smoke Leather Moroccan Pouf | Serena & Lily
serenaandlily.com

Lamps and Bedroom Lighting | Serena & Lily
serenaandlily.com

lacefield design pink cream linen throw pillow aza
tonichome.com

Silver Leaf Handprint & Footprint Frame | Pottery Barn Kids
$52 - potterybarnkids.com

DwellStudio | ZINNIA ROSE CRIB SET - Bedding - Baby
$360 - dwellstudio.com

Stark Concepts Capri Rug | Pottery Barn Kids
$299 - potterybarnkids.com

Parker Child Chair - Multiple Vinyl Fabrics by Jennifer DeLonge,...
$449 - rosenberryrooms.com

Our First Baby

There she is. The furry love of my life. Gigi was our first baby.............

From the minute we adopted her, we have loved her beyond words! She taught us how to be responsible parents, and I truly consider her my baby.

Gigi is an amazing dog and has a very gentle disposition; we were not worried about any danger she might pose to the baby. My biggest concern was that Gigi would become very jealous or sad that Ella would be requiring so much of our attention usually reserved for her. Gigi 100% knew she was the star of our household before Ella arrived. I even believe she sensed something was different during my pregnancy. I became one of those weird pet parents having conversations with my dog about her new role as a big sister and how we would always love her just as much.

Scott and I made sure to take caution when we brought Ella home from the hospital, just in case. While Ella and I were still staying in the hospital, Scott brought home a hat that Ella had worn so that Gigi could sniff it out and become familiar with the scent of the new baby. We are of course trying to give Gigi as much affection as possible, but it can be hard with a needy newborn in the house. I think Gigi is still a bit confused and wonders if this is a permanent thing or not, but she has taken pretty well to Ella so far.  What has your experience been like if you introduced a pet to a new baby? If you are bringing a new baby home to a pet, check out these tips from Animal Planet.             

We hope as Ella grows that she comes to love Gigi as much as we do!

Kid's Korner: Drawworm

Drawworm's shop owner and artist Kelley creates custom pencil portraits from photographs, and boy are her drawings gorgeous! Though not necessarily a "kid's item", I wanted to feature her work on Kid's Korner because I think her drawings make a beautiful and unique gift idea for moms and dads to preserve memories with their children.

Custom Double Portrait from Photo 11x14- $180.00

 Kelley says "I love drawing children, because their personalities shine through in every photo. They're never fake or posed. I hope that the portraits I draw of children will capture their personalities in such a way that makes their parents remember and smile every time they look at the drawing."

The prices for a portrait depend on the size and number of subjects in the drawing.

Kelley is currently studying Illustration at the Academy of Art and has been drawing ever since she has been old enough to draw a crayon. I love the way she got her shop name. "When I was young, my father saw me with my nose buried in a book and said, 'You're such a bookworm!' My little brother, knowing my love for drawing, added, 'Yeah, and you're a drawworm, too!'"

Send her a photo to get started! Kelley says she loves hearing the stories behind the photos she is working from. She is currently working on an old wedding photo for a couple's 60th anniversary.

"I love making people happy with drawings. In our modern world, almost everything we own is mass-produced, instantly available and quickly replaced. I want to provide people with something special: one-of-a-kind artwork, inspired by each individual customer, created to reflect their personalities and memories, drawn with care and pride by human hands."

To view more of Kelley's portraits, visit her Etsy shop, Drawworm.

Thank You! Love, Ella.

The outpouring of love we have received from family and friends has been amazing! Thank you to everyone for your visits, your well wishes, and your gifts. If you are looking for a baby gift, I found these ideas to be really creative and/or simply adorable.

A set of bloomers came in the cutest packaging. Check out Bunch O' Bloomers (For Blooming Buns)- each with a colorful flower on the bum!

Ella modeling her bloomers.

"My Very Own Name" is a personalized book that teaches children how to spell their own names. How cool is that idea?!! You can find this and other personalized children's books at I See Me's website.

Another page in the book by I See Me. Look closely and you can see Ella's name in the story!

I love owls! Ella's room is decorated with trees, songbirds and owls. This pillow comes from an Etsy shop called I Sew Lucky,  filled with adorable owl pillows.

A truly unique onesie! My friend (and former sorority sister) had this made on Etsy, though I'm not sure what shop she used. You can find tons of sellers doing personalized work like this on Etsy.

I had never heard of Trumpette socks until having a baby. I think these socks are so fun! Find more designs at http://www.trumpette.com

Ella Ivy Levitt

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities."

Ella Ivy Levitt was born on 7/7/11 at 2:51pm. We couldn't love her more.