waiting on butterflies...!!!

Sitting here, drinking coffee, listening to the birds chirp, thinking about "the plan" that seems to be unfolding...slowly, but surely.

Over the next few weeks, you should start seeing some changes to this blog...and to the website!

As I am creating pieces and preparing for shows, I have two unbelievably talented designers working behind the scenes...transforming my vision into reality!!!

I'll be posting more as we get closer to the unveiling, so make sure you've 'liked' my Flowers on Footprints facebook page as well as hovered over the like button and clicked 'get notifications'!


Upcoming Events:

May 10th-Alternative Gift Fair: 10-4, The Irving Theater
May 14th-RAW Indianapolis presents SPECTRUM: 7-11 PM, Old National
                Centre Egyptian Room
May 17th-Reading and book signing: Noon, books & brews
*flier-Devin Watson~http://www.design-watson.com/

*Devin Watson~http://www.design-watson.com/

Did you say it?

'[Doctors] spend a lot of time focused on the future, planning it, working toward it. But at some point you start to realize your life is happening now. Not after [med school], not after [residency], right now. This is it. It’s here. Blink and you’ll miss it.' ~Meredith Grey

Since the beginning, I have been an avid watcher of Grey's Anatomy.  I can't ever seem to get enough!  I watch re-runs on the lifetime channel, re-watch seasons at a time on DVD, NEVER miss a new weekly episode. Over time, the characters and show itself has changed immensely...but one thing that still remains is the narration or "voice-over" at the beginning and end of the show.  It's the piece that leads you into the episode and that sums it all up at the end.  It's a very powerful piece to the show and one of the reasons I am compelled to continue watching.

Last night, we got word that, after a long battle with ALS, a family friend took his last breath.  It took me back to the days of taking care of my grandpa at home with the help of hospice.  It's heart-breaking to even go there; the exhaustion, the fear, the constant sick-to-your stomach feeling, wanting to do something-anything to see him alive and well again.

And when I go there, it's hard to keep my thoughts/emotions from running all over the place.  (Which is where this whole "Grey's Anatomy voice-over" comes in.)  While brushing my teeth last night, my thoughts went to the Season 5 finale...Izzie is battling cancer, John Doe becomes George, Meredith gets married on a post-it... and we are left with Greg Laswell's Off I Go and these last words:

'Did you say it? "I love you. I don't ever want to live without you. You changed my life." Did you say it? Make a plan. Set a goal. Work toward it, but every now and then, look around. Drink it in 'cause this is it. It might all be gone tomorrow.' ~Meredith Grey

I'll be busy working in my studio today; finishing orders, working on pieces to re-stock shops.  But then I'm taking some time off for myself; to tell others I love them, to hold them close, to let them know they've "changed my life", to "drink it ALL in".  

My heart is telling me I need to do this and I have faith that this is part of God's plan for me <3

I'll be back May 1st...until then----->Love More...Fear Less.

~Nicole

P.S. For those of you interested in watching the last 5 minutes of the episode, the link is here.

My "Fear-Less" Collection

It's been good to see the sun the last few days and I'm thrilled to hear the temp might actually reach 50 next week!  Yes, my windows will be open and I'll be enjoying every second of that fresh air :-)

For several weeks, I've been in a funk :-( At first, I thought it was the weather...the bitter cold, all the snow, being stuck indoors.  I was missing the sunshine and the fresh air and I was feeling defeated in a few areas.

I've met so many fabulous business owners and artisans/artists over the past year.  I'm so thankful for the experiences and relationships I have with them.  I consider them family and honestly don't know if I would have made it this far without them.  We dream together, share ideas, show support for one another, and so much more.

It reminds me of what I enjoyed most about being a teacher.  My students and their families, along with my colleagues...we were a family.  We not only worked together to provide a quality education for young people, we collaborated and planned together so that our children could learn about life, could have experiences that would teach them how to react in certain situations, would know how to feel AND show love/compassion to others.  When I began, it wasn't a competition for "best teacher", the "highest number on the rubric", the "best score on the test".  It was about loving and caring for children, working together to make the world come alive to them, and helping them explore and find their passion for life.  

There was a PURPOSE...not an objective.

COLLABORATION...not competition.

PASSION...instead of fear.

In honor of that seemingly long ago time, I'll be adding this "Fear-Less" collection to my Storenvy shop tomorrow. Is there a word you are looking for?  Leave me a comment below!  I'll be adding more to this collection over the next few weeks.

Hoping the funk has left the building and the creative juices are ready to flow once more!  Got some bigger (different) life dreams and goals to work towards ;-)

  

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!!!