I am about to launch my newest brainchild, www.creativebusinessnewswire.com. The idea is to create a hub where writers, bloggers, and reporters can go to find information about what is happening in our industry. I am still working out some bugs and doing a lot of editing on the copy before I begin promoting it, but I would love to give you a sneak peak. Please check it out and tell me what you think! I would welcome any constructive criticism.

A More Creative Cupid

As St. Valentine’s Day approaches, you are probably looking for a special gift to express to someone how much you love and appreciate them. While jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, these handmade pieces are far from cliché.

Key to My Heart, $30
“I am drawn to this piece because it has a romantic, vintage look,” said Samantha Bischof, owner of TheAdornedArticle. The necklace’s sterling silver key and sparkling black stone create a Valentine gift that is truly one of a kind. “Besides,” she added, “it’s made of black spinel, my favorite stone right now!”
Find it at TheAdornedArticle on Etsy.com

My Sentiment Exactly, $21
If you are looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that bestows the ultimate compliment, look no further. This hand-embroidered pendant features a teapot singing “Hot” and is suspended from a waxed string. The pendant comes ready to present in its own cute, felt pouch.
Find it at LiliBelly on Etsy.com

Fools Rush In, $35
These gorgeous pyrite earrings are one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to impress your Valentine. The concave briolettes are suspended from twisted sterling silver ear-wires. They are for the Valentine that appreciates owning unique, handmade items.
Find it at TheAdornedArticle on Etsy.com

Keep Me In Stitches, $21
This fun, heart with thread, button and needle is surrounded by a bright red embroidery hoop. Whether your Valentine loves to sew or just loves handmade items, this necklace is sure to be a hit. “Even when it is not being worn, it makes a cute little home accessory,” said Sophie Gobias-Moffat of LiliBelly.
Find it at LiliBelly at Etsy.com

Pure Love, $70
This gorgeous crystal quartz piece is breathtaking. As unique as she is, your Valentine will love wearing this gemstone close to her heart, suspended from a sterling silver and black spinel chain.
Find it at TheAdornedArticle on Etsy.com


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A very vintage Valentine's Day

People who love vintage items do not just love items for their function, but also for their history, symbolism and story. If you are looking for a special gift for your vintage-loving Valentine, give a gift reminiscent of history’s most romantic times. Three Etsy shop owners share their Valentine’s gift ideas that are as unique as your Valentine.

Natural Beeswax Pink Shimmer Taper Candles, $8.95These hand-rolled, vintage-inspired candles would be the perfect lighting for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. The unique texture and gorgeous pink shimmer color combine to make a beautiful gift. They are crafted from natural beeswax and are sure to last as long as the conversation does.
Find it at poppyrow at Etsy.com

Old Hollywood Vintage Fur, $139.99This vintage fur coat is reminiscent of the elegant days of old Hollywood. It is the perfect splurge to make your Valentine feel as beautiful as a starlet such as Audrey Hepburn or Doris Day. The coat is a breathtaking color of auburn with a luxurious scarlet lining.
Find it at Antiquarianshop at Etsy.com

White Flower Desk Accessory, $17
This sweet vase can pull double duty as a container for a Valentine’s arrangement of flowers and then as a keepsake and desk accessory to hold pens and pencils. It is perfect for someone that surrounds themselves with beautiful vintage things.
Find it at TheBarnOfMiddleburg at Etsy.com

Rose and Iris Platter, $15
This vintage platter has a lovely bouquet of a pink rose and violet iris adorning its center. On the wall of a cute, shabby-chic cottage, it can serve as a sweet reminder of your affection and this Valentine’s Day.
Find it at TheBarnOfMiddleburg at Etsy.com

Red Needlepoint Flower Bicycle Basket, $47
This charming vintage bicycle basket has a floral needlepointed piece attached to it. “I think it would be a sweet container to deliver your love letters or hold special keepsakes,” says Susan Havens-Morris of The Barn of Middleburg. The basket is lined with green cotton fabric and trimmed with red velvet fabric.
Find it at TheBarnOfMiddleburg at Etsy.com

Pink Italian Glass Jar, $15
“I can’t think of a better way to receive a bouquet of flowers than freely arranged in an antique jar,” says Rebekah Allen of Antiquarianshop. “It just adds something special to the traditional Valentine’s gift.” This light pink glass jar makes the perfect container for a Valentine’s Day spray.
Find it at Antiquarianshop at Etsy.com

Rose Pink & Cream Lace Neck Scarf, $89.95
When others are tossing out their departed Valentine’s bouquets, yours will be wrapping her scarf crafted of everlasting felted wool blooms around her neck. “This soft neck scarf has beautiful vintage detail of feminine lace and tulle,” says Britt Kaski of Poppy Row. “It is also lightweight which makes it the perfect spring accessory.”
Find it at poppyrow at Etsy.com

Vintage Wooden Jewelry Box, $32
This vintage wooden jewelry box is sure to steal the heart of your Valentine. Give it as is or use it as a gift box to present another jewelry gift. The box plays the sweet sentiment of, “It’s a Small World,” when you open the bottom drawer.
Find it at Antiquarianshop at Etsy.com

Christmas Video

Merry Christmas to All! Here is an example of a video I made for my husband's parents for Christmas!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Product Videos

This is a video I made for Zakia at Finest Expressions. It is just an example of a way to use a video to showcase your products. You can upload it to your website or blog or email it to your customers to share a new product or service.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

2011 Small Business Resolutions

Some people have skeletons in their closet...I just have an abundance of knick knacks and random craft supplies. I do not want to even think about all of the $100 start up investments I have spent on all my "little ventures." Knittting, candles, photography, burp cloths, homemade dip mixes, antiques, clothing consignment, jewelry, custom designed fabric, and the list goes on and on. This is just the short list of business ideas that I have either researched, tried or both on my quest to be a WAHM (work at home mom). I think the most ironic thing about it all is that after living on the Internet and researching and planning different businesses I was not qualified to do, I ended up becoming a WAHM by stumbling into something I have a bachelors and masters degree in! Communications.

So, if you have a dream to become a WAHM or just have the entrepreneurial spirit, I encourage you to make 2011 your year to make it happen. Or at least take the first step and don't be afraid to change your business idea or tweak it if needed. With each business idea I learned something new.

And pottery...did I mention pottery.

Custom Logo Design Services: Graphic Designer

Do you know one of those people who is really good at everything they do and just has an eye for pretty things? Enter my sister. Rebekah has an amazing eye for "junk" and finding and creating pretty things. I am so excited about here new Etsy shop Antiquariumshop and loved getting the opportunity to create her logo and help her brand her new shop!