Thursday, June 09, 2011

Shop Launch and Giveaway

"If you never try, you'll never know what you are capable of."
~ John Barrow ~

I sat down to re-watch Julie & Julia yesterday after burning the back of my hand on the oven. I wish I could say I was cooking something, but the only thing cooking in the kitchen was (literally), me!

So after running my hand under the cold water tap and trying not to cry while my husband went to the pharmacy to get some burn cream, I sat down on the couch to watch the movie for the second time. The first time I watched it last year, I remember the 'blogging' theme being what I noticed the most. This time, however, it was Julia Child's character and her stubborn refusal to give-up on finding something she would enjoy doing while in France that jumped off the screen at me. And then I realised why.

I've been on sabbatical from teaching for a few months now, a profession that I ultimately love, but that I find physically and emotionally draining every few years and need to take a rest from (or risk giving it up for good, which I don't want to do). I've been fortunate enough to have the time to look around and, like Julia ask: "What is it I really want to do?"

For the first time in my life, I found my hands (literally) turning to needlework. I've never been an able needleworker....a piano player, a bad cellist, a chef, a mosaic maker, a gardener, a hugger, yes...but never a person adept at sewing. Then one day recently, with time on my hands, I picked up a needle, some thread and material...and I created something as a gift for someone which they actually liked...and so kept going.

At the suggestion of my bu and parents, I decided to launch my own online shop featuring my hand crafts. Lord knows, in the current economic climate, it's a risky and idealistic choice...I'm aware. But even so, heart.felt stuff was born! A little dream made real. 

Will it work? I don't know. 
But I know I need to try! 
Because if you never try, you'll never know, right? :)






Please celebrate with me by: 
  1. taking a look at my shop, and 
  2. by entering my giveaway for yourself or someone else, in which you can win a version of this little hand sewn stuffed felt owl brooch - perfect for adding a little quirkiness to an outfit, or a little bling to a purse! Just leave a comment below saying: "Hi" or something of the sorts, and make sure that I can get hold of you (either through your profile, or by leaving an e-mail address).
















Comments will close on Monday, 13 June 2011 at midnight (UTC -12), which would make it 14:00 in South Africa on Tuesday, 14 June (UTC +2). 

The winner will be announced here shortly thereafter (using random.org), along with a post featuring a gluten-free pizza (and the flour mix it was made from) I discovered which will change your home made pizza life forever...I promise! :-)

Thanks for reading and good luck!

17 comments:

Kate from Scratch said...

That is adorable! I hope you are resting well and feeling revived.

Ryan said...

Congrats on your new venture and best of luck to you! I think its great that you are doing something you love to do and the needlepoint owl is so cute! I also love Julie and Julia and so admire Julia Child for finding something she loved to do.

Dhesh said...

I adore your booties and love the 'made in South Africa' banner on your page. Goodluck on this venture.

dhesh at webmail dot co dot za

Lisa @ Healthful Sense said...

Good Morning Juanita! That is wonderful that you are doing something you love. What ever ignites your passion and makes you happy you should do!!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

SO darn cute!!! I'm glad you picked up a needle and thread...what creativity :)

Kate@Diethood said...

I love your crafts...so cute and fun!

Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit said...

Good for you for listening to your heart and living your dreams! Sorry about your hand, I hope it heals up soon :)

Jocie's Mom said...

Little cuto! It's so cool that you can have a hobby and share it so easily nowadays. It's the internet awesome :) Thanks for swinging by Deep Dish!

Angie's Recipes said...

I like "Julie & Julia", esp. the scene of J was chopping onions in the kitchen...
Love your craft work.
Wish you a speedy recovery!

oomph. said...

LOVE that movie! cute owl, too!

rockoomph.blogspot.com

Carolyn said...

Good for you! First off, teaching really is incredibly draining and I applaud that you take time to have breaks so you don't burn out. Secondly, cute stuff, have fun with it!

tasteofbeirut said...

I checked out your website and found your creations lovely! I especially liked the booties collection; made me wish my kids were small again!

Bwak said...

We should all do something we love..
Love your hand craft shop.
Good luck, and never give up

Anonymous said...

I love Julie and Julia. Your felt stuff is so cute. Good luck.

flowers on my table said...

Cute little owl Juanita. I wish you well with your venture, I love all the litle bootees. It's funny that you mention Julie and Julia, as I watched it last night for the first time. I loved it!Julia Child was a bit of a character, how daunting it must have been to go to that cookery school with all those men and the woman who didn't like her...such perseverance! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, love Linda x

natalie said...

Ok, first off: I hope hope hope your hand is better! I'm assuming it is, because my hand isn't burned at all, and I still couldn't make such a gorgeous little owl. :)

Yippee for your new venture!

Simeon said...

Hey Sweetness :-)

Congratulations on your shop launch! I'm extremely proud of you.

*kiss*