2013: The Year to Do It!!

The New Year always bring in new resolutions and goals. Well - actually- goals tend to roll over from year to year. I think most people do a great job making goals, but the tough part is following through.

I know that's usually where my struggle is. I can make a list of goals with the best of 'em. They'll be ambitious and noteworthy. By March or April, I'm feeling discouraged, and by May, my goals have been abandoned and are collecting dust.

I would create a list of 12 or more goals; however, I have decided that less is more. I'm not as good as multi-tasking and multi-goal reaching as I would like to think that I am so in 2013, I'm keeping it real; and keeping it simple.

I have three goals for 2013. When I complete those, I'll add some more.

Here are my goals:
1. Run a half marathon (Race date: August 2013)
2. Write 200 pages of a spiritual memoir
3. Have poems published in six publications.

I started on the first two goals. I found two training schedules online, and I have written then in my planner. Training starts Jan. 7 and I found two possible marathons for early August. I just have to pick one.

I've been working on my spiritual memoir more often. I typically do all of my creative writing by hand. Eventually, I'll type my spiritual memoir so that I can see how many more pages I need to write.

I think I have taken the most important step which is focusing my mind on achieving those goals. I have found that when I can set my mind to do something, I'm more likely to get it done - no matter what it is.

This year, I am not over-committing to a bunch of goals. I want to take baby steps and reach my goals one by one. This year, I plan to be like the tortoise who wins the race by being consistent and taking it slow and easy. I've tried to be the hare, exerting a lot of energy at the start of the race only to wind up not meeting my goal.

I encourage you to keep it simple this year and for heaven's sake: just do it!

Card in Progress

Hey folks! See how I make a card from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Reasons to Buy Handmade: It's Personal

Often times when I create a card, I have a person in mind. 

Maybe I’m thinking about the funky, fun loving mom-to-be. So, I create a card that puts a spin on traditional zebra stripes with bold, bright colors. 

For the lady who likes pearls, cardigans and up dos, I made a birthday card that featured a vibrant flower print, a classic black and white dotted pattern and a pop of color with a deep purple bow. 

Or how about a simple man. I added some burlap and a few black buttons to make this Father’s Day card. 

I frequently make custom cards. Clients chose the color schemes and feel of the card. If you have a friend who likes earth tones and owls, I create a personalized card for your friend. If you need a card for your grandmother who is turning 80 and is a spiritual person, I can weave both of those into a one-of-a-kind card. 

Personal cards allow you to give cards that were made specifically just for your loved one. 

Interested in a personal, custom card? Email me at: yourssincerelygifts@gmail.com 

See other blog posts on reasons to buy handmade. 

Ready. Set. Go.

Summer days are here again. For many, this means cookouts in the backyard, hanging out by the lake and attending annual outdoor festivals. This also the time of year when many couples say ‘I do’ and when many babies are born. 

Who has time to spend hours searching through aisles for the perfect card? Why not have a few cards on hand for all of your summer festivities? That way you can enjoy more of the summer and make the most of your time with those you love. 

Yours Sincerely has new card sets created just for you.

Order a set of wedding cards. 

Or a set of baby cards. 

You can even have a mixture of both. 

You can create a custom set to your personalized needs. You can purchase this set and just let me know what type of cards you need in the message to buyer. 

Order your cards today and get back in the sun. Ready. Set. Go!

Introducing: Card of the Month

June is a good time of the year for me to begin new things - like starting a handmade business. Two years ago, I took my sister-in-law April’s advice and starting a handmade greeting card business. (You’ll hear more about that journey later this month when it’s nearer to the anniversary.)

This June, I will continue the tradition of starting something new. 

Today, I am introducing a Card-of-the-Month. Each month, I will feature one of my cards at a discounted price. The cards will be in limited supply so once they are gone, they are gone. 

This month’s card is perfect for all of the summer weddings on your list. 

What better symbolizes love than hearts and the color red?

 This card includes a heartfelt sentiment on the inside. 

This solid red heart has a dimension and gently pops off the card. The grosgrain red polka dot ribbon ties it all together. This card is $3. Quite a bargain. 

Order yours today :-) 

Latest Developments

Mother's Day proved to be a busy, vibrant season for me this year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have sold Mother's Day cards in two St. Paul card shops. I also participated in the HandmadeMN spring craft fair, and I had a booth at Hamline University and St. Olaf. Father's Day is slowly but surely approaching. I have little down time, but I won't complain:)

I'm glad the school year has ended, and I ready for summer break. Summertime is a busy time for brides and babies so I'm currently working on cards for those occasions.

Check out what I've been creating.

All these cards can be purchased in my Etsy shop. 

Reasons to Buy Handmade #1

Today I began a series about why I buy handmade, why I think it matters and why I think you should do the same.

Reason #1: Quality

I think the idea is explained well in this blog. "You simply cannot compare mass produced products to artisan created goods in terms of inspiration, quality and attention to detail."

This is definitely true when it comes to the cards I create. I have been making cards for roughly four years and over time, I have changed the type of products I buy to ensure every card is made with the highest quality possible. Sometimes this choice requires me to drive an hour and a half to a retailer that offers the sturdiest cards and envelopes that I have found.

When someone buys a card, she often likes to display the card on her desk or refrigerator. Flimsy cards made out of cheap paper won't stand well on a desk, and they are easy to tear or damage. Cards are often kept as mementos. I want my cards to last beyond the recipient's special day and make it into family albums and scrapbooks.

I use a lot of ink on my cards. As you can see in the card below, sometimes I use multiple colors. I only purchase vivid inks. They cost about twice as much as their cheaper, duller counterparts, but I think they are worth it.

I love how handmade artists hand select every material they use into make their products. This does not happen with mass produced items. That's one reason why sometimes when you purchase a mass produced item, you find small blemish and defects.

I make handmade products because I believe in quality. I buy handmade because I support quality.

Stay tuned for more reasons to buy handmade. 

March Update

2012 has been whizzing by. Here's a look at what I've been creating lately. Enjoy.

Full Swing

Hello Everyone,

The semester is in full swing. New classes. New residents. New year.

Thankfully, I have been able to find time to craft. Here are a few of my latest creations.

Enjoy.

 

Simple Headband with bow

Sewing my First Apron

A year ago my aunt gave me her sewing machine, and ever since then I have been wanting to learn how to sew. I took a class at Joann that was good at teaching me the basics. I tried sewing a few drawstring bags. I eventually abandoned sewing to give more time to card making and school. This Christmas break I wanted to sew something and improve my sewing skills.

My mother knows how to sew and made me a few dresses when I was a kid. She helped me pick out a McCall Simple Stitch pattern for an apron. She helped me sew my first apron.

I sewed the pocket and the tie strings. Check out the finished the product. I love my apron and can't wait to cook in it. I'm going to make a couple to give as Christmas gifts. I figure if I have a project that will motivate me to keep sewing:)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Happy Crafting. 

Treasures from an Elgin Antique Shop

Before I headed back to school, I stopped by Elgin to visit one of my college roommates and to spend time with her and her family. Elgin, a suburb of Chicago, is one of my favorite places to visit.

My friend Laura grew up in Elgin and showed me around downtown. We stopped at an antique shop where she found this.

I LOVE buttons!!! I probably would put them on every card, but since they are expensive, I use them sparingly. Good buttons are hard to find. When Laura stumbled upon this jar of buttons, I knew right away it was a treasure. The jar had red, white a few pink and black buttons, which was perfect for Valentine's Day cards. 

Some of the buttons were dirty or dull so I soaked the buttons for a few minutes in soapy water. I wiped them off with a paper towel and they looked like new. Here are a couple of my favorite buttons from the jar. 

I can't wait to make cards with these buttons. Check back for pictures of the cards I make with them.

Til next time... Happy Crafting! 

Share the love

In about a month, it will be the national day of love aka Valentine's Day.

Sometimes the holiday gets a bad rap - people say it was created for the sole purpose for card stores and other retailers to make an extra buck. That may be somewhat true. 

Regardless of its original intent, Valentine's Day can be a day you set aside to give more love. Send your spouse or significant other a card to say I love you. Let your children know that you are proud of them. Drop friends and relatives a note to let them know they are in your thoughts. 

Receiving a hand made card is sure to brighten anyone's day. Order your cards today. I will be accepting custom orders by Feb. 1. Cards can be sent to directly to the recipient.

Cool Canvas Photo Art

Most of my life I have been called the wrong name and the spelling has been the worse. Chesney, Charity, Chassidy and the infamous Chastity are the ways folks have gotten it wrong. It's pretty rare for me to meet someone with my name and if I did, they spelled their name with two Ts. I have never met anyone with the same name or the same spelling... until two years ago. 


Meet Chasity Kobernusz. 

She's a young professional from North Dakota. We both love Christian rap, thrift stores, pompadours and crafts! Chasity makes these incredible photo canvases that are a great way to hold memories and decorate a room. 

Chasity's canvas have so much detail. Look how she uses screws in her artwork. 

Any project with buttons is always lovely in my eyes. 

She uses magnets or fancy paper clips to hold pictures. The pictures can be changed creating a fresh look in seconds. 

These canvases make unique gifts or nice home decor items. Chasity designs and creates canvas that can be hung in a baby's room, the living room, office and the kitchen. She recently made a canvas for a beauty salon.  

Contact Chasity for pricing and custom orders. 

Give more love in 2012 with these one-of-kind photo canvases.