Friday, August 8, 2008

100th post! means Giveaways & Gratitude



Giveaway #1 Pretty Powder Blue Package including a handmade crepe paper rose, vintage handkerchief, Trim tag & floral plate



Giveaway #2 Antique Periwinkle Package includes vintage plate, butterfly rhinestone pin, German post card, trinkets, buttons & a tag full of lace and some star sparkles. (Available in my Etsy shop today!)




Giveaway #3 Vintage Post Card Cards with a pink lace tag.

Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw 3 names on Wednesday, August 13th


So it's been about 8 months since I started this blog. There were a few reasons I decided to start sharing my art and I will go on in trying to list them openly and honestly which is so important. As you know we all share more with our personal handwritten diaries than on our blogs. So why not? It can't hurt to be brutally honest in my 100th blog post. And because I can't read for long periods of time without pictures there will be some pretty entertainment along the way.


Reasons I started a blog:

1. When I left work last September, I was afraid I was going to become a lazy bum Stay at home mom watching Tv and eating all day ignoring my kids.


2. I never had anyone to answer too for getting things done, pertaining to art. The only time I created anything was when a birthday party came up. So a blog was a way to get myself believing I had to keep creating just in case anyone was looking.
3. To meet and make friends. I have always been one to have very close friendships with 3 or 4 people because of the quality of friendship I wanted. I felt I couldn't give that loyalty to more than a few. Blogging has let me meet friends in which not much is required of me but to encourage them to keep with their artist self and use kind words every now and then. I don't have to meet a quota of visits per friend every month. Just in the time it takes to type during nap time and you have friends just as kind as you would in the flesh.


4. A blog is like a billboard of your talents. People can reach you from everywhere. You have millions of potential friends, colleagues, inspirations, teachers & customers. It is a way to meet people who might believe in you and take chances with you.


5. I felt like starting a blog would define me to myself better. I don't think when I was pregnant for 3 consecutive years I thought about anything. I was exhausted and emotional and I couldn't have told you my favorite color or where my glue gun was. So sad:( This was a way for me to compile my favorite things onto one page that I felt defined me. I learned alot about who I am and am still doing so as my taste change often. I 'm tweaking who I want to become and portray myself to be.

I believe for many situations a blog can be the happiness factor in your life. Like becoming a new mother possibly a stay at home mom who doesn't have a routine or time for herself. Maybe you have a new windfall of time due to retiring or your children going off too school . This can be a huge relaxation tool for those situations. But you have to be careful that the number of sales or number of comments or visits doesn't define your success.


What I feel I have accomplished in the last 8 months due to having a blog:

* I Built more character & Self Esteem

* Made friends with an unmeasurable amount of inspiration & talent

*Received so many cool things from Swaps. So far I've finished 18 in 3 months and I've joined 22 more.

* I've become a better writer & thanks to the artists around me have had to rise to their level of fine art.

* My artwork may be published soon in Somerset Life!

* Found an art style that fits my personality

* Organized and purged things in my home.

* Decorated my home.
*I've admired God's artwork more thoroughly & have thus become more Spiritual.

* Started YourAngil Adornments Etsy shop.
* Began making items for Ruby Begonia's Boutique. See and buy my items here!
* Made it a point to "go out" and see things this year to post about like...my first trip to California, my first concert & going to the fox theatre.

* While I'm not sure I made more than I spent. It still feels good to make a bit of $ from a hobby that you enjoy doing and are able to do at home.

* Got my kids involved with mommy's art projects and got them into a better daily routine.

* I am greener. Now that I've done many swaps I've learned to use everyday things or trash for projects & packaging. Cutting cost for me and waste for the environment.

* Learned to deal with rejection.


Some goals I have for my next 100 posts are to think more intellectually. Think things through and talk them out. To explore around my hometown more. Go out and see what Missouri has to offer me & what I can offer people here too! I want to host a swap before I get all "Swapped out". I want to have more giveaways and do some Show and tells.


I wish I could make gifts for all of you lovely friends who come and visit and keep me company on my journey through becoming an accomplished artist and mom. Thanks for hanging out with me for 100 posts! I hope 100's more are to come.

20 comments:

Jessica Rodarte said...

Such a touching blog Angela. I think that I started blogging for similar reasons. It's nice to have a list of reasons to look at and remind me. I love your blog. I love coming to visit.
Oh, gosh, and how about picking me for one of your giveaways? I love everything you're giving away. :o)
Hugs.

Sherry said...

Congratulations Angela! I pretty much started blogging for the same reasons and now it is a part of my life. It sounds weird to people who don't blog, but oh well! I am glad we found each others blogs and have become friends!

Your giveaways are gorgeous!!

Sherry :-)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100th post Angela. Here's to many more posts on your pretty blog!!! Thanks so much for listing me on your blog list, I'm honoured. Sounds like blogging has truly blessed your life and that's wonderful. God bless, Laura

preppymama said...

Congrats on 100!! I am so glad I found your blog I just love it. I can totally relate to everything you posted about, I started my blog for similar reasons and I have made some wonderful friends.

Tanya Peacock said...

Very impressive! I am confident that you will meet and exceed all your goals!
Best wishes and Blessings!
Tanya

Anonymous said...

You certainly have matured as an artist & most impressively to Mom & I, as a person. You are a wonderful mother & the most amazing daughter parents could ever hope to be blessed with. I am SOOOO proud of you. I truly believe that your artistic talents are limitless. I really enjoy your blog too!!
Love, Daddy

Henry said...

you really make beautiful things! i'm glad i got to see them! i want to tell everyone i know about your creations!!

Michele P. said...

Congrats on your 100th post! I like you listing your reasons for starting to blog, many of them are the same I have. I was out of work, wanting to meet new friends over the internet, love writing, and love reading, and getting to know new people. I have done it all with blogging. I hope to continue for many more years. Glad to have visited your blog and you have very lovely items~

Bunny B said...

Congrats on your 100th post! :) Any reason to start blogging and having it flourish well is a great success! Sharing has always been nice -- and having people appreciate it is nicer :) Giving away gorgeous things is very generous! I love that butterfly pin! Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

100th post wow! You have a beautiful blog! Please visit my blog and email me I have a ATC to send to you! Ambitions Designs ATC swap.
Thanks Leah

torinem said...

What a wonderful blog! Congrats on the 100th post!

misty said...

Congrats on 100. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

planetmisty at gmial dot com

Jennifer said...

this is one of the best 100th post posts i have ever read. i agree with everything you shared and i'm so glad that you did. i hope you have another 100 posts that continue to keep you growing and inspired to do what you are good at. everything you do is beautiful.

FleasKneesStudio.blogspot.com said...

Congrats on your 100th!!! You should be so proud of yourself. If only I had someone to get a blog off the ground for me I'd like to try it, too--especially after reading all your great points. Thanks for much inspiration!

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

A milestone for sure. You are so sweet. I love your post. Blogging is so important to me, too. I love all your work and will tell all about your work.

RobinBirdsNest said...

congratulations on your 100 posts! so glad to have found your blog! i look forward to visiting again!
Thanks for the chance to win your great giveaway!
www.robinbirdsnest.blogspot.com

Contessa Kris said...

These are wonderful reasons for blogging, some of them I share. Being a homeschool mom, and a self-appointed hermit, I don't go out and talk with a lot of people. On the flip side, I do like to talk and discuss things plus share my art. So that's why I started my blog really. I'm probably too late for your drawing but wanted to say thanks for visiting my blog. Always a pleasure to hear from you.

Bev said...

Congrats on the 100th blog! I found you thru A Swap for All Seasons and am adding you to my favorites! I love your tags!

TFS!
Bev

Our Green Nest said...

YEA - congrats on the 100th post - that's wonderful!!! You know I love your blog and your art - it's inspiring! :)

Sage and Daisy said...

Cute stuff! Glad I came across your blog. Going to check out your shop now :)