Balancing Motherhood & Etsy

Balancing Motherhood & Etsy

Original Artwork by: georgia sakura

I have pondered just how many of these beautifully curated etsy shops, have a small little people crew behind their pretty banner, and as it turns out quite a few...many of the great items you often see here are being cultivated in a garden full of love and hard work with plenty of little feet running about, with devoted etsy moms balancing it all very well, benefiting the world with not only their wonderful creations but with the upbringing of the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs.
Having children changed their craft..for the better
"These boys are my inspiration for so many things I create. And without them, I wouldn't have the drive to create without looking back. Before I had the boys, and didn't have to provide for them, I would illustrate, create, all of it, but I wouldn't always finish every project.I'd let it sit for months(or years) and it didn't really bother me. Now I absolutely have to finish each project, because our financial well being depends entirely on it."~The Mayberry Sparrow
No matter what your situation, whether you are a full time stay at home momma with a supportive spouse or a single momma who is working hard to make ends meet. Having the ability to combine the two biggest loves of our lives at once is a real gift.The extra income from selling on Etsy has allowed many of us to contribute to our families needs and in some cases is the main source of income, which equates to serious business, So while it is a pleasure to have the little ones always with us while we work, Its not without its challenges,"It is difficult to manage it all, but my daughter's activities always come first. It is amazing how busy their little lives become when they turn 5."~Rural Abandon


Rural Abandon's Studio RuralAbandon

"Finding a balance is challenging..the balance between being a devoted, caring mother and fulfilling enough of my own personal needs to be a happy woman, independent from my role as a mother. That, and finding time to sleep.On some days you feel like you’re pulled in so many different directions that you’re not doing anything very well. But I find that this challenges me to find creative ways to keep the kids occupied – in a good way!"~Pink Posies

While a majority of our work tends to be done while they are asleep at night, It is possible to work along with them successfully. Setting up a designated area for them to safely create away from your business helps.

Anniepoo Soaps'Studio Anniepoo

Anniepoo Soaps has a little team of helpers;"They each have jobs...Bella helps cut up the soap, AnnieClaire is my mixer and Lilly...well...she thinks she's helping :)We usually create everything in the kitchen and they pull up chairs all around me...we package things in our school room....they have a little table that we made where they put things in bags for me and I tie everything up and get it ready to ship."~Anniepoo's Her family, like us and many others, also homeschool our children. Which allows for many daily learning opportunities and great time flexibility.


gSakura's Home-School/Sewing Area - gSakura

Keeping them busy Giving little ones small jobs related to your shop, like stamping tags, cutting lengths of string, ect. & the bigger they get, the more detailed work they can handle, learning to use a sewing machine and html have been a successful part of our curriculum. For us the key is inclusion, because they are involved, they respect the time needed for me to get work done and they all pitch in to help out where it is needed, also by involving them, they are getting a first hand lesson at being entrepreneurs. This is paving a way for a strong work ethic and proof that you can follow your dreams and really do what you love for a living.These everyday lessons are apparent in many of our children already being very creative themselves, appreciating the work that goes into a hand made object and actually living a hand made life.
For all of these reasons, it is more than worth any sacrifices that are made.I try and savor the precious moments that I am allowed to be in their presence, teaching them, laughing with them. It will not last forever...these years will fly by, I tell myself."Keep your children your priority, and remind yourself daily of how blessed you are to have them, even when they're making your day difficult."~The Mayberry Sparrow So the next time you find yourself being whisked away from your work, take a moment to pause and look into their little faces,remembering why you are working so hard & Enjoy time they are here with you.

Reported, Researched and Stressed About by:
Georgia Sakura



Resources:
http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/artforchildren.html
Children & Art Resources for the Budding Child Artist
City Guide for Parentshttp://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/choose-a-city/
http://blessingsforlife.com/crafts/homemade_art_supplies.htm20 Homemade Art supplies
the Switchboards Forumhttp://www.theswitchboards.com/forum/


Post-Script:
You may view this article in its rightful home over at the very Fine, Etsy's own
Storque:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/thisHandmadeLife/article/handmade-kids-balancing-motherhood-and-etsy/2209/

Personal Note:
I would love to give a very big THANKS,
to all of you wonderful d sweet etsy moms, that kindly participated in the interviewing, and general inspiration for this piece, I dedicate it to everyone of you,
Each of your stories are incredible and utterly heartwarming examples of the true definition of the Balancing Act, of Motherhood and Etsy.
And a very special thank you goes out to the sweet Michelle & the team over at the Storque, for giving me this awesome opportunity to do this article, and especially Michelle for all your great tips and wonderful editing expertise~
Merci Beaucoup
xoxo
georgia sakura
>^_^<

Hi there, I have been meaning to come in and update you on all the exciting happenings here at Studio Sakura, and I finally managed a few moments to do so...

Well the best and biggest news by far is that the Michelle & Lovely Ladies of the Storque, contacted me on Friday, with the awesome opportunity to write an article that I pitched a few months ago, about managing running a etsy business while raising our children.

I had started a forum thread in May about the subject and there were some really wonderful posts, you can view the thread here.

Soo I am busy working on the said article, and still managing to sew up some of the cute and totally functional Lil felted pouches, I will have a nice bakers dozen ready at shop update time, which, because of my new and latest mission will be pushed back a wee bit. I need all my brain power focused on this article, as it is so very important to me, not only because it is a wonderful opportunity, but because it is a issue near and dear to my heart.

Call for Interviews~ all you devoted etsy moms

I would love to hear from you, if you would like to contribute any comments and or maybe be available to give a short interview about the subject, please contact me if your interested, either by leaving a comment below or through etsy convo, or via email, and I will be in touch with you soon.

The article will be running in the next issue of the Storque in Mid July.

The other thing that was really cool...I attended the 2008 Cave Creek Film & Arts Festival Poetry Reading on Sunday, and read my original poem, in front of a packed room/coffee shop. It was a wonderful event, and there were so many talented writers present. The really great thing that happened was when it was my turn, and Carol Perry creative writing chair~ called my name, my two children followed me up on stage, unbeknownst to me, I was tipped off when I passed her and she said "oh there's three of you", I turned and there my two oldest stood on stage with me!, I went to them and told them that "I think I have to do this alone sweeties, go on and sit back down.."

Everyone laughed which actually helped me break my nervousness..so I read me poem under the glaring bright lights and after the applause made my way back to sit down with two very embarrassed little kids, I gave them a hug and kiss and told them it was alright. My husband and the two little ones were hanging out in the front room of the coffee shop, and occasionally we could hear the baby and his loud baby talk and shrieks during a few readings..The only thing I would have done differently was not drink a double espresso and a double iced latte before my reading, I was so wired I almost bounced off the stage, and I really don't recall the actual reading except for my trying to not read too fast!All and all it was a fabulous experience for me and the kids,One I will always cherish..

This is the poem I read:

Untitled~
You saw me in peachy shade and chased me from tree to tree

Later, when our families went back to picking, you found a good one

And hid it in our trouser pocket

You tossed it gracefully into the air

Telling me a funny story

Looking straight at me

Peachy fiddling

You made me wonder if you’ve meant that peach for me

“Might that be for me?” I coyly ask

Its sweet nectar shine on my chin

It’s juices gathering at the bottom of my warm sticky lips

The sun must have glistened through the leaves

On that warm day

And made me shimmer for your hungry eyes

Cause you leaned in

Warm peachy breath

And kissed me

I swelled inside

Like the peaches

Bulging on the trees

~ georgia sakura

I hope your summer is starting off to be a wonderful one, I am doubly excited to launch my new etsy shops and to unveil all of the unique and pretty hand made sweetlings that I have been working so hard on for the past month... If I find some time in the next few days, I will give you a sneek peek~

Until then, I encourage you to get in touch with me if you would like to be a part of the article, I will only be conducting interviews for the next few days here.

Otherwise leave a comment just to say hi !

xoxo

georgia

^_^