Stocking Update!

     I did manage to finish my daughter's stocking before Christmas. Well, most of it. I finished the stocking itself in the nick-of-time Christmas Eve. The cupcake with her name on it was a few days later. The stocking was a kit I put together but it is all hand detailed from cutting out and appliqueing pieces, to stitching the face, making the hair, even the cording was hand detailed. I will say this is the hardest kit I've done. I love the way it turned out and my daughter couldn't be more pleased! Here are a few pics, sort of start to finish.

         

                          Now it's time to start some new projects. I'm thinking Valentine's day!

                                                                                     -Jennifer
         

Looking Ahead in 2014

     Another year has come and gone. Time goes by so fast. As I look back and reflect on Jenny Lin Creations I think of all the things we've learned and all the things we still have to learn. There are so many things we want to improve. We are so excited about the possibilities that 2014 will bring us.

     There are two sides to Jenny Lin Creations, the crafting and the business. On the crafting side we want to expand. I personally want to learn new techniques with fabrics and become stronger in the skills I already have. I want to work with new materials and learn to use a sewing machine. (Yup, I admit, I've only used a sewing machine once and I was in 5th grade.) My mom and I have so many fantastic ideas we can't wait to create and share them with you.

     On the business side, we want to expand here too. We plan to attend several craft shows in the area. My mom and I are working on another project ( more on this later ) that includes my mom's original Etsy shop. I've read books, magazine articles, blogs, forums, anything I can get my hands on dealing with Etsy and small businesses. I still feel like I have lots to learn. The two words, small and business, should never be put together. A small business is a huge undertaking. I know 2014 will bring more learning opportunities and challenges for both my mom and myself, but we are looking forward to it.

     A new year feels like a fresh start. You can clean the cob webs off of the past year and get a new perspective. My mom and I are really looking forward to the next year and all the possibilities for Jenny Lin Creations. We can't wait to share whatever those possibilities bring with all of you!

     What are your possibilities for 2014? Will this be your best year ever?

   

     

Wordless Wednesday - Stocking Progress

Finishing Those Last Minute Holiday Gifts!

     The holidays. When you are a crafter who enjoys making holiday gifts for friends and family it is a very busy time of year. Sometimes I think I could give Santa's Elves a run for their money. I know my mom could. She makes almost all her holiday gifts. Right now we are both trying to finish felt stockings. My mom is making one for one of her grand-kids and I am making one for my daughter. She is almost finished with the stocking, but still has other gifts to make. I imagine she will be sewing, knitting, crafting, all the way up to Christmas Eve. All I have left is my daughter's stocking, which is a doozy. I have promised it will be finished by Christmas Eve. So here's the progress. A lot is finished, but I have a whole fairy to go. Wish me luck and good luck to all those crafters out there wrapping up their holiday crafting.

   

     

Top Favorites of the Week!

     These creations had the most favorites in our shop this week.

Set Of 3 Holiday Ornaments

Quilted Tote Handbag

Felt Embroidered Wristlet Handbag

                      Thanks to everyone who visited our shop!

Wordless Wednesday!

Current Project

Future Project

Holiday Season - Lesson Learned

     This holiday season is Jenny Lin Creations's first holiday season and it's been a lesson learned. I felt rushed in my crafting to get items on Etsy. I never really thought of the season and needing to make crafts before the holiday. Now I think I'm going to holiday craft all year around. If I have an idea I need to make it. So, I need to think Christmas whether it's December or July.

      There is a lot less free time during the holidays. With homeschooling 2 kids, a husband working full time and going to college, running a house-hold, free time is already limited. When you add multiple holiday dinners, buying gifts, and all the other activities, it's even more difficult to find a moment. When I find that moment it's nice to just craft and not worry about rushing to get something on Etsy.

     I know the same is true for my mom.  She has 6 grandchildren and she makes all of their Christmas presents.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas it's crunch time for her. I know she is spending every free moment trying to get that special gift finished by Christmas Day, So thinking of making creations for Etsy is not in the fore front of her thoughts.

   

     So, lesson learned. Think holiday crafts all year long. Make them, do the write ups for them, then save them for the holidays. Then when the holidays come around we can spend that special free time for crafting gifts or for pleasure and not feel rushed or overwhelmed.

                                                                                     -Jennifer