My Name is Christine and I Have a Problem...

A craft supply problem that is...

Last week I took pictures of my egg crafting area. It may not be state of the art, but I think it looks respectable. I decided to take pictures of my second crafting area for fun. This turned out to be a disaster! I found it impossible to clean up!

Why may you ask?

I have a craft supply addiction. I get a paycheck, and within 24 hours I am begging to go to a Michael's Craft Store... Thankfully I do not have a car, and I rely on my boyfriend who refuses to take me most of the time.

However, when I do make it to a craft store, it is impossible for me to leave without making a purchase. I look for great buys and sales. Every time I find some unbelievable sale, at least in my head. Even though I try to use the items I buy, my craft area continues to expand.

See for yourself...
Pretty bad right? In my defense, this is not all my fault. No... It's my mother's. She reads my posts, and I feel it is important to point the blame on her.

My mother is a crafter herself. She has a much larger area dedicated to her projects. She was and is involved with so many projects and organizations where her projects are useful. However, her involvement cause myself and my sisters to be very creative. In addition, we had unlimited items for crafting as kids. It is only natural to expand from that starting point.

So mom, this is ALL YOUR FAULT! (but I'm glad, because it's a lot of fun)

I normally clean this entire area so she never sees the crafting area in full force. This will be her first time seeing it. And I guarantee a phone call from her tonight. Oh well, it was worth it.

Want a close up?

Since I am placing blame today. I blame my eldest sister Mary as well. She crafts gorgeous items (CHECK HER OUT)

Why is she also to blame? She and I give each other items we think the other would enjoy. However, she also gives me stuff she may have too much of. I LOVE IT!!! And she has great taste! But, you see the pictures... I have a problem :P :P
What to d, what to do. I think I will go shopping if I have a successful craft show and see what is on sale. **NOTE** MOM... this does not mean I don't need craft supplies.... i totally do!!! :P LOVE YOU!

Here is a new card just made in this mess of a craft area!

I am so lucky to have a creative and sensational mother and sister. Both have helped me with building this madness. But most importantly, they helped me to have fun crafting and creating. Whenever I get a little bit of ribbon or paper in a care package from my mom I am overjoyed! The possibilities of what I could make on a card makes so happy and ready to dive in.

Though I am a student first, having this unorganized sanctuary has helped me not hate the boring and tedious of law school.

Anyone else have a messy area and too much stuff to craft with.... but wouldn't want it any other way?

Helping the Hectic Team Launch

On Etsy I found that more often than not, people are juggling responsibilities, such as jobs,, school, families, and so much more as well as running an Etsy shop, or even several Etsy shops.

While getting to know several working crafters, I also found out that time management was a major problem in some form for all these hectic working people. From regular listing, making time for crafting, making time for cleaning, as well as promoting were all popular concerns.

I began to wonder what best would help as many working crafters as possible. At first I would share my personal situation and tips I have learned or gained from others. However, I realized so many people have great ideas in some areas while needing help in others. What would best help such busy people gain help in the area they specifically need in order to do well in life as well as Etsy?

A TEAM!!!

I decided to create a team for the busy Estian. Helping the Hectic Team will allow anyone to join who wants to get and give tips about balancing work/school/life with Etsy. You can post your concerns and ask for help in a specific area and people with similar concerns will be able to come together and deal with that area, helping out several people at once.

It will also be a support group! The team is only a day old, but already I feel close to several people because they are dealing with the same problems as myself. In looking at comments, I think others are gaining this relief as well.

PROMOTION!
Also, this is a wonderful avenue to use in order to help one another promote. We will do team BNRs in time, treasuries, promotion days, blog features, and more. However, because the main reason for this team is because people are busy, the requirements will not be as strict as other teams.

The bottom line of this team is an aid for everyone. We can help ourselves through helping others! In addition we can gain views and sales at the same time, while also gaining friends.

I'm very excited about this team and cannot wait to see you there!