February Update

A sneak peek at something new for February's Cosmic Web challenge...

My how the time has flown since I've last let you guys have an update.  While I put up an update in December I took the rest of December and the better part of January off from all work.  This type of vacation isn't odd for many small business owners, especially handmade artists but most people do plan them. Lol

Working two separate and mostly unrelated businesses taking a serious sabbatical was necessary however.  But while I've been "away" many good things have been brewing!  Including the release of some new lines, some updates to my website, and many plans in the works!

One of the first changes was taking a step away from some groups and lists I was working with during the beginning of the holidays.  You probably remember I was included on the Streeter A-list during November, but it wasn't a good fit and so I've moved onto a community that was a much better fit with The Cosmic Web.  While they are partially based on Etsy (with all the community options there its easy) there is a growing presence across other social media with a list on Twitter, a community board on Pinterest, and of course the Facebook group.  The group is formed of spiritually based creatives and we hold monthly challenges to make a themed item then share the groups offerings from each member in treasuries on and off Etsy across social media to our respective audiences.

With the new month coming in I'm getting back to my blogging and other business schedules but also enjoying the implementation of a set of new business systems, thank you Jenny Shih!  Today is also the day for my first newsletter for February to go out, but if you aren't on the list you can sign up now and get the scoop on the second one that comes out on the 15th of February!

One of the new lines I've released is a product that's been on my to make list for awhile since I made my first one in 2009.  My spirit dream catchers have been all the rage among those that have seen them.  While they definitely have a non-traditional spin on them they're inspired by Spirit nontheless.  On the blog I've mentioned them a few times and even have a multi-part blog post about a custom set for those who like to follow along the creative process.

With the turn of the new year I've been really focusing on taking a more spiritual return in my work.  The dream catchers above and some other products, like my malas and some other healing based jewelry, have come out of a real integration with the healing work I do with my other business PhoenixFlame Healing Center.  While I don't sell products directly through my healing center I route all such things into my Spiritual (the Faith Works line) collection for Aradia's Hand.  I'm looking forward to expanding more into that work and bringing Spirit into more aspects of my business.

A final thing I've hinted at on Facebook is a big change I'm going to be implementing on the website.  As you already know I'm integrating the blog which means no visiting an external site and you can easily RSS right here.  If you follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook, you can hear the news when new blog posts come out too.

So I wanna know, how was your January?  Do you have any fun and interesting new things going on?  Special plans for Valentine's day?  Leave me a comment below! Be sure to join my newsletter & stop by my social media profiles to further connect with me!