I wanted to give a quick shop and product update, but first things first. My grandma turned 88 on New Year’s Day so I wanted to start off by saying: Happy 88th Birthday, Gramma!

Gramma’s kids, grandkids, grandkids-in-law and great-grandkids alike gathered together over the holidays to celebrate Gram’s 88th birthday, and we had a blast starting the evening with a buffet dinner and finishing it off with roundtable stories of the grandkids favorite memories of Gramma. What was even better was that Gramma had at least 3 stories to tell for each of our 1. We’re so blessed — and spoiled — to have a grandma like ours. This shot is from our storytelling session, where my aunt is helping to do the English/Taiwanese translation:

Alright, NOW back to shop updates. As I mentioned, the Etsy shop is now re-opened after our short holiday break and in it you’ll find “classics” such as the Big Lug and Little Lug handbags, alongside newer items like the Out ‘n About Convertible Wristlet and Decorative Pillow Covers.

In fact, one of the Decorative Pillow Covers made it to the Etsy Home Page the first day of our holiday break! It was the Gold Volumes on Grey, which is smack dab in the center of the 2nd row below:

Thanks to Etsy Front Pagers for uploading a screenshot of this to Flickr, and to Etsy seller Uncorked for selecting my item to include in her Treasury listing!

My 2009 will start off with some fine-tuning to my business goals for the new year, so my introduction of new products may initially be a little slow. I definitely intend to work on new designs, especially in the categories of smaller zip pouches and home accessories which I’m able to crank out a little bit faster and can therefore offer more of at more varied (i.e. lower) price points…which I think a lot of us can appreciate at this particular time.

Another thing I’m pretty excited about is the prospect of adding sewing patterns to the mix as well! This has been on my mind for several months, and now I’m ready to think more seriously about it and get at least a pattern or two drafted and tested.

I’m also incredibly psyched to be working on a DIY lifestyle site with one of my best friends and partner-in-crime Jenn Lim. We’ve been heads down of late getting the site ready to roll sometime early this year. More on this later!

So, I think I’ve got my work cut out for me and a little planning and organization is in order. One thing’s for sure, I think 2009 is full of good opportunities, and I can’t wait to make them happen! Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a great one for each and every one of you.Similar Posts:

• So much happy!
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What’s an Etsy Treasury, you ask? In the words of Etsy:

The Treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 hand-picked items each (plus four alternates). It functions as a high-demand (and pretty!) promotional tool that many devoted Etsians fight to get.  Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme, or just however they like. The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy. Admin often choose an exceptional Treasury list to promote on the home page and occasionally make them to tie into Storque articles or special events and occasions.

Thanks to Etsy seller mathildathreads for putting together this one. I’d be thrilled if we went all the way to the Etsy home page, but I’m already pretty darn happy just to be here. Hooray for small successes! :] As you can see, I like to celebrate them all.

This link will expire in a couple of days, but for now, here’s the live Hot Chocolate Treasury!Similar Posts:

• Happy 2009!
• Featured Shop on the SF Bay Area Etsy Street Team site!

First, I’d like to thank Kendra from Brownies Vintage & Indie Design Clothing Boutique for the interview, awesome post and sweet selection of photos to feature with the article. Next, I’d like to thank my husband for his enthusiasm at seeing the interview published live. And of course I must not forget my producers, agent, casting directors, friends, family, Mom and Dad…Teh heh heh. =P

It’s been great to get a mention here and another there. I hope it’s the start of lots more to come! I especially look forward to re-examining the business plan after the holiday rush is over and plotting my way towards bigger and better! As I mentioned in the interview, getting my products on the shelves of local boutiques and gift shops would be amazing so that’ll be a top priority for me in 2009. There, I said it! They say one of the best ways to keep yourself on target is to publicly state your intentions, don’t they? Well hopefully in the coming months I’ll have all kinds of posts on all the progress I’ve made. Wish me luck and perseverance!Similar Posts:

• Happy 2009!
• *blush* I’m in an Etsy Treasury!