Excited for New Beginnings!

It's been a wonderful few weeks spent with family and friends, breathing in love and life, sharing special moments, and making memories to last a lifetime.<3  Yes, I am very, very blessed.

This new year has brought about many new beginnings for Flowers on Footprints!
One of them is a new online store!!!  I have made an exciting decision to close my Etsy shop and re-open using Storenvy.  I think you will find the new store easy to navigate.  The site is fantastic and is a perfect fit for the philosophy of Flowers on Footprints.
For now, the online link on my website is currently under construction, so you can access the store on my Facebook Page by clicking on the "STORE" button next to "photos" or directly at http://flowersonfootprints.storenvy.com/

For the moment, I'm waiting with anticipation to hear back from several people/places who could possibly help me take the next step on this journey.  Not sure if any of them will come to fruition, but having the hope that one of them will turn into something great makes me feel really excited!!!

I've also decided to pick up subbing for a bit!  We'll see how that goes :-)

AND I'm excitedly planning a very loooooooong getaway in a few months...with both of our families...sun, sand, water, and family!  What could be better?!?

I've got several new pieces of metal, leather bracelets, and stamping blanks calling my name!  Next week, I'll be in the studio working to create lovely new pieces and will be spending the following weeks getting them into stores!  I'll definitely keep you posted as I can't wait to share them :-)

That's all (whew that was A LOT) for now!  Hope to see your bright and shining faces soon!

~Peace and love always,
  Nicole <3

Thank you!

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com

Over the past year, I have been blessed beyond belief and my heart is extremely full.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey; for sharing your stories with me and trusting me to create the most perfect piece for you.  It brings me so much joy to know that piece you or your loved one is wearing has a special meaning, speaks to you everyday, gives you strength and courage to find your way down an ever changing road.  I am blessed to have met you, to have learned and grown through the process, and to have your continued support as I make my way down the not-so-known road.

image courtesy of h.koppdelaney

The purpose of Flowers on Footprints has been and always will be about inspiring; to lift you up, to help you see greatness in the world around you, to light the fire under you, to encourage you to live your passion, wear your truth, and be who you are always. <3

In keeping with that, I have decided to take some time off to reflect and regroup.  The last few weeks have been crazy! I've found myself working through family gatherings, missing get togethers with special friends, and staying up 'til the wee hours of morning. I need a break; some time to create memories with my family, to feel the joy of the season, and to celebrate all that God has given me.

I will be adding many listings to my Etsy shop after the Holiday Open House or you can find my pieces/book at many of the locations listed here! After today, any custom orders placed will not be shipped until January 6th.  With a little less on my plate, I hope to finally be able to share with you my favorite things about the remaining local businesses on my list <3

Thank you for making my first year of owning a small business a success!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and many wonderful memories in the New Year :-)

Lots to share!

Good Morning!
I know it's "Cyber Monday", but don't forget you can still 'Shop Small' online!  Many of my talented friends are offering specials on their products as well! :-)

It's been a FANTABULOUS ride the last few weeks!  I've met so many great people who are doing amazing things for our community and have had the opportunity to share my story in several different ways.
I haven't really slowed down yet, but I'm trying to take it all in as I go...feel the warmth of the season, the love of others, the joy in my heart! <3

I haven't really had much time to write lately either, and as I sit here thinking of all the things I'd love to share with you, my to-do list continues to grow!  But...I've decided that today, I want you to know about the amazing ride I've been on, so I'm taking some time to share more than one thing with you (in case I don't make it back until later this week).

Each year, the Fraternal Order of Police collects money from the community to help families in need for Christmas.  The money collected goes towards a program called "Shop with a Cop" where children who would normally not get Christmas are escorted to the store, get to buy clothes and other items they need, and if money allows, a toy.  Afterwards, the children go to a local church where they eat pizza, play games, and meet Santa.  For some, this is an experience they have never had and one they will never forget.
A few weeks ago, I spent some time with the fifth graders at Rosa Parks Edison Elementary School teaching them about this program and asking for their help to decorate the church...to make it a Winter Wonderland. They exceeded my expectations and have all been invited to participate in an optional service learning experience with their families. We will use their decorations to create that Winter Wonderland in the church lobby next week.  It was a joy to be in the classroom, to see children working for a cause, and to know that they truly understand the program in which they are giving to. <3

Over the last month, I have been sharing stories about the local businesses that have taken me in, promoted my products, and supported me 110%.  I've not made it too far down the list (I've been much busier than I ever expected to be...in a good way!).  My focus this next week will be to do just that.  Here is a list of places and a link to their facebook pages, just in case you go shopping before I get my story out ;-) Hopefully I'm not missing anyone!

American Wildwood Gift Shoppe and Gallery (open Thurs.-Sun. thru Dec. 15th)
Arts A Poppin'
Best of What's Around
Bizzy's Mobile Boutique (you won't find my book here, but many great, local artisan gifts!)
Eclection
Funkyard
Gathering (open Wed.-Sun thru Dec. 24th)
Imagination Station
Karisma
Moore Corner Store
My Toy Garden
Saving Grace Vintage
The Gift Box (located inside the Simon Cancer Center)

And lastly, I wanted to share about my experience on IndyStyle last week.  If you missed the segment, you can catch it here.  I can't thank Megan Martin enough for inviting me to demonstrate my craft and for allowing me the opportunity to get my name and my business name out to a few more people.  It was definitely a "talk to myself about 'fearing less' kind of moment" and I was really proud that I had the guts to try it...even if my normal "shaky hands" were ten times shakier ;-)  I have to say, the support of fellow artisans truly is what helps keep us going when the going gets tough...or overwhelming...or scary.  I have so much respect and love for them all! <3

I have several events coming up over the next two weeks and I'll be posting about them on my facebook page. Like my page for updates and share with your friends!

***Starting December 16th, I'm taking a break from it all to enjoy family and friends and the joyous holiday season! <3***

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Oh goodness friends...!
I have so much to share with you and just not enough time to sit down and write :-/


After an eventful couple of weeks, I've decided to take the next few days off to enJOY this Thanksgiving holiday with my family and friends. <3

I plan on drinking wine, being silly, decorating the house, laughing, watching Christmas movies, and singing/dancing along to Christmas music!

If you were hoping to place an order for Christmas, you can find me at the Hoosier Artisan Boutique this Saturday or may do so by contacting me via email: nicole@flowersonfootprints.com
Last day for placing a custom order AND receiving it by Christmas will be December 1st.
If you are waiting on a custom piece, ALL pieces will be mailed out next week!



I'll be back next week sharing about my IndyStyle experience and giving you several more local places to shop for the holidays!

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support <3

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Meet our first guest blogger!!!

If you've been to my blog lately, you've probably noticed the "share your story" box in the upper right corner of the page!  I am anxiously waiting for someone to send my theirs...hint, hint, wink, wink ;-)
And today, I'm giving you the perfect opportunity!

Many of the friends I talked about in my previous post have started their businesses from scratch.  For most of us, there have been ups and downs along the way, yes...and we keep pushing forward because we are not only passionate about what we do, but because we enjoy making our pieces especially for you; to inspire you, to help you tell your story, as a reminder to laugh in some of life's most memorable moments, or to say it's okay to cry during the most challenging ones.

So...go grab a cup of coffee, put on your slippers, and cozy up under your blanket to read this post from our first guest blogger, Sarah Kruer: Owner/Artisan at Imy's Joy who is sharing her 'story' with us today.<3

What Imy's Joy means to me...

If I was a blogger, or had a blog, or even understood really how to do either of those....I believe this might be my first entry. Who knows--maybe I will one day...if I ever figure out how to do it ;)......

I’ve gotten some major JOY handed to me these past few weeks. Some subtle. Some loud. And I’m feeling overly thankful for what I get to do lately. So, for those of you who are new here...here’s a little about me and why I do what I do. In the spring of 2012, I found myself itching to do something. I love staying at home with my 3 boys. But I’d been home for nearly 8 years at that point and was ready for an outlet of some sorts. A creative outlet. I often had the conversation “What do I want to do when I grow up?!” with my husband. A lot. (I’m pretty sure he grew really tired of said conversation.) He would tell me all the time that he’d support me in whatever I wanted to do. Did I want to go back to teaching? I always loved being with those sweet, little preschoolers. Did I want to open up a bakery? I always loved to bake. Did I want to open a children’s bookshop? I LOVE books and had all sorts of ideas for a fun children’s bookshop. I just wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But knew I wanted something I enjoyed, was flexible, and could see myself doing for a long time.

I had always loved art. I loved painting and still did it randomly. But then started making a couple things for around our house. And then had a few friends who wanted me to make similar ones for them. And then all of a sudden, I knew. I wanted to do THIS. As in, for a “job”. Was that even possible, I’d wondered?? Then, I started gradually making more signs and canvases and frequenting yard sales and auctions and finding old frames, salvaged wood, whatever that jumped out to me. My husband had told my in-law’s early on about me wanting to possibly start something. It was hard to explain to a lot of people what I wanted to do. But somehow, they just got it. And so did the rest of my family, for that matter. And then one day that spring, my family and I were at my in-law’s farm. They have several barns on their property, and my father-in-law walked us up to the old, dusty second floor of this particular barn. And my eyes widened at the sight. Beautiful, old--OLD--wood, old windows, old wood siding, rusty wire baskets that he and his brothers & sisters used to pick cucumbers for pickling, when they were younger; and so much more. They chuckled at me because I think I looked like a kid in a candy shop--I was talking a mile a minute at what I could do--wanted to do--with the gorgeous, old pieces I was seeing. These weren’t just pieces of wood. These held a story. Had a HISTORY. Someone used this wood to build a barn that kept their livestock, tractors, hay--whatever it was used for--it held their livelihood. And my father-in-law told me, smiling, that I could take whatever I could use, that it would just sit up here. And, so I did! With a grateful heart, indeed. And my love for this all began.

Soon after, my husband and I were trying to come up with a name for this entity I was pouring my heart and time into. I knew I wanted it to mean something. (I’m super-sentimental like that--sometimes to a fault (!).  And I kept coming back to my Grandma. Her name was Imogene. But most people close to her called her Imy. She was the most joyful, loving person I’ve ever known. And one of the most crafty & creative! She was always making & sewing ornaments & stuffed animals, etc. for her sorority fundraisers. She made costumes for my cousin, Tara, & I to dress up and play in. Princesses, Little House on the Prairie characters, ballet dancers and outfits for our dolls & Barbies--you name it, she could sew it! And her heart--it was the most precious thing about her. She was the kind of person who you wanted to talk to when you were having a bad day. She always knew what to say to make you smile or laugh about it. And her smile was the best--and her hugs!  And she always had a way of making you feel like you were the most special person in the whole world when she was talking with you. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years before she passed away. And even though her memory was dwindling quicker than we’d ever imagined, her infectious smile was always there when I’d see her. And so,after talking and talking about it, Drew (my husband) finally said, “Imy’s Joy. That’s it. That’s what you have to call it.” And I know she’d be proud.

And it’s not just my Grandma (Imy) Bundy who I credit my love of creating/crafting, but several people in my family. My dad, my brothers, my mom, all of my grandparents, my aunts, my cousins...really, everyone in my family has a love of art, theater, music, cooking---anything you can get creative with. I’m more thankful for this now than ever.  

So, where was I?? I’m a little long-winded tonight--it’s nearly midnight--so, like I said, I’ve been given all sorts of moments that have popped up lately telling me, almost as if to reaffirm me & my decision to have started Imy’s Joy. I love that I get to create something that is going to be special to you or a loved one of yours. And I love hearing the stories that you all have shared with me. Whether it be a love note from a groom to his wife, put on canvas, for their wedding day; or a favorite saying that reminds a daughter of her mom that was taken too soon by cancer; or a painted map of places that a couple has traveled (or will travel) in their lifetime together;  or lyrics to a song a grandmother used to sing that makes her grandson smile; or a favorite scripture that reminds a woman that she doesn’t have to it all on her own, but can lean on God, to give her the strength and the hope she needs to get through the day; or even the little boy who wants nothing more than an Indiana sign in his room ‘because he’s going to play for them one day’ :)   I love it. All of it. And I thank you for letting me do what I get to do. And it’s not just that. That’s not even the best part of it all. The best part is when I hear from people that they’ve been bitten by the ‘artsy bug’ and that they’re going to try their hand at something they’ve been eyeing on Pinterest, or a project they’ve been wanting to do for a long time. THAT is the best part. That somehow a teeny, tiny part of Imy’s Joy or something you’ve read, whether it be a quote or scripture or whatever---has helped to inspire you to try it. To do something that might be a little scary or out of your comfort zone. Or in your opinion, not something you think you can do. The funny thing is that’s how I can often feel--a lot, actually. But what’s amazing about Imy’s Joy and what it means to me now, is that I can just picture my Grandma’s smile, her reassuring pat on the hand and warmest of hugs. I can hear her saying, “You can do it.” And guess what? I do. Not to say, that I don't fail--happens all the time! But the fact of the matter is, it never hurts to try, to put yourself out there and wait & see what life has in store for you, and to keep trying new things. Because life is much too short to sit and wonder, "What if?" So, after all this--when I’m sharing these stories with my husband, he smiles & winks, and says, “Imy’s joy. That’s what it’s all about.” I love that he gets me and what this whole journey is about. So, that, my friends--old and new--is what I do, and why I do it.

Thank you, again, to all of you that inspire me, new friendships, and….for taking the time to read this ;)  

Never Alone...

Besides Christmas music, while working in my newly organized "studio" I've been listening to the Rosi Golan station on Pandora.  I just LOVE her voice and the many other talented artists that are similar to her music style.  Their songs make me feel at peace, they inspire me as I'm working, and they truly make me appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that ALL artists put into their work daily.

I am thankful to have met so many of these hardworking men and women on my journey.  And I'm even more thankful to be able to call them friends.<3  They have helped me understand the day-to-day tasks of my "job", enjoy sharing their experiences and knowledge with me, and really are my number one supporters.

As doors open...and close...and open again...I continue on this journey; following my heart, trusting the process, having faith it will all work out, believing in myself and all that God has in store for me.  Knowing I'll "never be alone" is what keeps me going.

Click here to watch a lyric video of Lady Antebellum's new song "compass". Not sure I understand the video, but the words definitely apply to the road...the journey...the people we meet...and following your heart.

Sending many thanks to my friends <3  Hoping this holiday season is full of love, laughter, and lots of shoppers!!!

Imy's Joy
Bizzy Buckets
Art 2 the Extreme
Newfangled Confections
Lois Pearl Designs
Time and Again Shop
Lucky Ducky Designs
boris loved natasha
Megan Martin Artisan
Conduit Press
bobaloo!
retro101
Specifically Random
Two Seaside Babes
Best of What's Around

Arts A Poppin'!!!

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time on, what has now become one of my favorite places in the city, Mass. Ave.  Such a fun area to shop, wine, dine, or just sit and enjoy the company of others. And it was in doing just that, that I found the next shop on my list <3

I was meeting some girls for dinner at Bru Burger.  It was busy, as usual, and there was a long wait, so we decided to walk around and check out the shops.  One of our last stops was Arts A Poppin'.  I remember finding THE MOST PERFECT MUG.  I had to have it!  Well that...and a few necklace charms. And I also remember thinking...I sure do love this shop!

It was time to check-out.  I took my items to the counter, had a really nice conversation with Jill, and paid my bill...all the while I'm thinking to myself, "just ask her, just ask her, don't be afraid, just ask her"!  And just as I started to walk away, heart pounding, hands shaking, I did...I asked if they sold books by local authors in their store???

And there you have it folks...that is where it all began :-)

A few months later, I was able to add a few of my jewelry pieces to the shop and they now carry many of Flowers on Footprints jewelry pieces as well as the book!

I am so grateful to have met Jill and Lorri, for their support on my new adventure, and the many tips they have given me along the way. <3  They are true supporters of all artists and you can feel that the second you walk in.

I hope you will stop in and shop their "unique, funky, one-of-a-kind handcrafted art" this holiday season! There's SomeTHING there for everyone on your list ;-)

These are the hand warmer mugs I mentioned above!