Captain's Message: The Virtue of Kindness

Image from persimmonandpink on Etsy: 5x7 giclee print

As I have settled into my new role as the Captain of the LDS Etsy Team, I have been thinking about what is needed to do to organize things. Some “house-keeping” needs to be done for the team (and will always need to be maintained!) With a team so large and diverse, it can be overwhelming to identify a direction or purpose. Luckily, I have other Team Leaders to help me, and through speaking with them and personal thought, I feel compelled to share this message which is about the Church, but I also feel applies to the Team:

“The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.

Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don’t be upset because someone can’t sew as well as you, can’t throw as well as you, can’t row or hoe as well as you.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

One way you can measure your value in the kingdom of God is to ask, “How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential? Do I support others in the Church, or do I criticize them?”

If you are criticizing others, you are weakening the Church. If you are building others, you are building the kingdom of God. As Heavenly Father is kind, we also should be kind to others.”

-From “The Virtue of Kindness” by Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2005 Conference

This message is important; I would like our Etsy team to encourage and build one another with kindness. I would like for us to be a source of strength, comfort, and knowledge for one another. This sort of caring environment will improve our entire Etsy experience, which is my ultimate hope. Please remember that we all travel this road at different speeds and in different ways, but that we ultimately are in this together to help one another.

- Rachelle Sharp, LDS Etsy Team Captain

Spiritual Thought: He Is Risen

I have been thinking about some of the recent tragedy that has occurred in the world, specifically the recent earthquakes in Japan. I am sure you have thought of the heartbreaking tragedy too.

Now the Easter holiday season is upon us and I have been reading about the subject of The Resurrection. Here is a wonderful passage that really touched me regarding both the subjects of tragedy and Resurrection and I hope it will affect you as well.

"Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by his matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of Kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form.

Towering above all mankind stands Jesus the Christ, the King of glory, the unblemished Messiah, the Lord Emmanuel. In the hour of deepest sorrow we draw hope and peace and certitude from the words of the angel that Easter morning, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6)."

- Taken from This Glorious Easter Morn, by Gordon B. Hinckley, April 1996

Sunday Spotlight: Maybe Matilda

I love the pictures from this beautiful shop
MAYBE MATILDA on Etsy

www.maybe-matilda.blogspot.com,
my twitter name is @maybematilda,
and my family blog is jeffryandrachel.blogspot.com
maybematildaquilts@gmail.com

How did you get started on Etsy?

I decided to start selling my work on etsy after it started to pile up in my house--I was sewing baby quilts and crocheting baby hats faster than I could give them away or use them! I've loved being able to share my hobbies with others through etsy.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in New York, got my BA in English from BYU, got married, moved to Iowa for my husband to attend chiropractic school, went to massage school, worked as a massage therapist for a while, and just had my first baby--a sweet little boy who, much to daddy's chagrin, has been modeling my girls' crochet hats since birth. He's definitely earning his keep.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Hmm, good question. Are there other hobbies out there? Other than sewing and crocheting, I love baking, reading, thrift store shopping, restoring old ugly furniture and home decor, and am trying to figure out photography. It's a sloooow process.

What first made you want to become an artist?

My mom tried for years to teach me to sew and it was always a disaster. I finally tackled it on my own as an adult and loved it, and picked up crochet shortly after. It's so rewarding to create something and have other people appreciate it!

Please describe your creative process.

My creative process . . . well, it often starts with seeing a picture of something I love but can't afford, and I think to myself, "I wonder if I could make something similar." Being on a student budget has its perks!

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I completely cherish a quilt my mom made for me when I was a little girl--in fact, it's still on my bed now. And since I quilt, too, I know just how much time and work and love went into every stitch. That quilt is priceless to me! It inspired me to make a quilt for my baby while I was pregnant, and I hope that he'll treasure it just as much.

How do you promote your work?

I'm definitely lacking in the promotion department. I have a rather neglected shop blog (www.maybe-matilda.blogspot.com) and a twitter page (twitter.com/maybematilda), and I sell my work at the Bungalow Boutique on Main Street in Heber City, Utah.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Tough question, especially since they change so often.

Top five books of the moment are Peace Like a River, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Poisonwood Bible, Corelli's Mandolin, and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Top five movies: Everything is Illuminated, Lars and the Real Girl, Slumdog Millionaire, Hairspray, and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (it's dumb, I know, but a classic in my heart).

Top five musicians: Corinne Bailey Rae, Michael Buble, Carrie Underwood, aaaaand . . . hm, I guess it's just going to be top 3 musicians.

Top five websites: designspongeonline.com, oneprettything.com, theboard.byu.edu, creaturecomfortsblog.com, and, of course, I spend way too much time on facebook!

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

Definitely haven't considered this before. I guess that I wouldn't have gotten started on etsy at all if it weren't for the creativity and sense of industry instilled in me by my mother, which I have always thought of as very LDS traits.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

I still consider myself new to etsy! My advice would be to have confidence in yourself--I would (and often still do) feel nervous to put my work in the public arena; it's scary to make that leap and say, "I created this, I think it's beautiful and valuable," without knowing if others will agree. Also, I have met so many friendly, wonderful people on etsy in the forums and teams--don't be nervous to get to know people and make some online buddies!

In ten years, where would you like to be?

No offense to my fellow Iowans, but hopefully not in Iowa. I can't take another Midwestern winter . . . you natives out here are tough stock. I'd like to have a happy family, a cozy home (in a decent climate!), and lots of time for creating handmade goodies!

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My current favorite could be my fingerless gloves (http://www.etsy.com/listing/65042963/burgundy-fingerless-gloves) or the little critter hat (http://www.etsy.com/listing/64489351/custom-crochet-bear-earflap-hat), but I love them all!

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

I find myself always coming back to
http://www.etsy.com/shop/fishandlotus,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lirola,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/creativethursday,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelleD, and
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ciaobellaphotography

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

I've loved being able to sell my work and get the reassurance that other people love and appreciate it, too, and be able to expand my talents and challenge myself. It's exciting to think that women and kids all over the country are wearing my hats or snuggling in a quilt I created for them. Makes me feel a little more well-traveled :-)

Sunday Spotlight : SerendipityBeadedCreations

Serendipity: (n) the phenomenon of finding something valuable when not sought for

I named my business this because it seems like sometimes when I am working the hardest for one thing something else always falls into my lap that is even better. There are good in bad in all things but I am learning to turn my weaknesses into strengths and this home business has taught me alot about that.

Here is all the places that I network, my goal for 2011 is to become more organized.

http://www.facebook.com/serendipitybeadedcreations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serendipity11beaded
http://www.facebook.com/acraftycottagecongo
http://hyenacart.com/aCraftyCottage/
http://www.twitter.com/homebizmama11

Starting October 1st I started highlighting one craft business/ entrepreneur a week and will post their shop information as well as a few personal facts about their business here if you are

interested please send me a request.
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=334628725136
LinkLovelies on Oprah :)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123494001037211#!

/group.php?gid=123494001037211&v=wall

How did you get started on Etsy?

I actually had been looking to do something from home and a lady in my ward got me started on Hyena Cart, I wasn't selling anything and decided to just go on to a few different places and see what clicked. . .ETsy seemed the best fit at the time, and I have enjoyed it so far.
Last month I joined two threads and have sold 19 items in one month, I was on etsy a year before that, not doing it full time, but only sold 4 items.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a single Mom to 2 girls, one who is 8, her name is Odette and she has down syndrome and multiple health issues, she has a feeding tube, and is in a wheelchair. She attends school 3 hours a day and is doing very well. Odette loves to play ball and watches muppets a lot, as well as Signing Time.
I also have a three year old named Sabra who is so much fun! She loves to read, color, use stamps and put stickers on everything. She also loves Signing Time, they both sign quite a bit.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am the Compassionate Service person in my ward, I work at Montana Public Radio, very part time, but have my own Soundtrack show and love it. I love to read. I love to make hats, I donate them to the Pediatric Wing of the Hospital here, my daughter and I spent many months there when she was younger, it was always cold. So I donate hats at least once a month.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I always have made things for my friends and family, it helps me relax and I love to learn new things.

Please describe your creative process.

I usually do a pattern, but I pick one that reflects something I am experiencing in my life and usually ties in with the seasonal holidays.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My daughters. . .they arent really handmade, but they definitely are the biggest focus of my life and were created within and through me.

How do you promote your work?

facebook, locally, and on etsy, kaboodle, stumble upon, hyena cart

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Lds.com, all of the Scriptures, BYU, and any tv or movie that will inspire me to be more and do more for those I love, i love Lifetime network and anything that makes me laugh :)

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

I believe my faith is reflected in some way in almost everything I do, But I believe any online business takes a huge amount of faith, most of my family are not members of the church and have degrees. I am definitely someone who believes in the power of God and true prophets who guide us to live our fullest potential.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Stay true to what you believe, do not compare yourselves to others, find a place of inspiration that is truly yours and develop that the best way possible.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Married in the temple with someone who truly honors his priesthood and honors the importance of family and is willing to be creative an understanding in that process.

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My grandmother, Mother daughter Heart sets. . .the design is from the same artist but I put the grandmother, mother daughter influence, My mom passed away when i was 15 and My grandmother passed away when my daughter Odette was 2. I like making symbols of that connection because I miss them both so much and love them.

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheiseverything
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vampiton
http://www.etsy.com/shop/H20worksDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serenitysoapworkstx
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mystuff2

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

It has made me feel productive and helped me live accountably on a different level, as well as keeping me on my toes, and understanding the importance of healthy competition

The picture was taken 2 years ago when we went to visit my brother and his wife who was pregnant at the time, Now I am an Aunt to an amazing Niece named Claire.

We were in Lincoln city, Oregon, and my brother took the picture when we weren't paying attention, I just thought it was really cute!

Spiritual Thought: Charity is the Pure Love of Christ

source

During this Valentine's season, take a moment to think about what Love really is. It is more than paper hearts (though they are nice too!) To me, Love and Charity are the same thing. I hope you enjoy this thought about Charity and have a great next few days.

"Charity is “the pure love of Christ,” or “everlasting love” (Moroni 7:47; 8:17). The prophet Mormon taught: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (Moroni 7:45; see also 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He always “went about doing good,” teaching the gospel and showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed (see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:6; Acts 10:38). His crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This was the greatest act of long-suffering, kindness, and selflessness that we will ever know.

The Savior wants all people to receive His love and to share it with others. He declared to His disciples: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). In relationships with family members and others, followers of Christ look to the Savior as their example and strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy. "

Thought from www.lds.org study topic of "Charity."