Books, Beads, and Me

I've recently became a Barefoot Books Ambassador.  It means a lot to me to be involved with beautiful books and sharing them with families.  I had my first successful event on Harrison Street in Oak Park, IL.  Harrison Street is a quaint, art-loving community.  I met great people and had a lot of fun. 

www.ireadbarefootbooks.com

Please visit my website to explore!

bee hopeful

Today I made several new beads.  I am a member of the Oak Park Women's Exchange.  I am successful as a new member of this fantastic co-op.  It is great to be a part of a community of local, sustainable shoppers and crafters!

This is my new workspace...comes with fantastic views of my front lawn and sounds of James playing his trains!

Me

I have enjoyed all the projects going on in my life.  Keeps me positive because I get to explore all the things I love...books, creativity, and me!  I've lost 20 lbs...pictures to come (I'm still not done in my adventure).  The new house is fabulous.  I love my family life in Illinois.  This Florida girl misses her mom, dad, and friends...but my adventure in the Midwest has been wonderful learning experience.  Life is really like a box of chocolates!

Bee Hopeful @ Etsy

I finally set up shop!  Bee Hopeful is something near to my heart and I did it!  Maybe it was the new year.  Maybe it was a new friend who gave me encouragement.  Maybe it was me and I need to congratulate myself!  I have had this vision for the store and have been very indecisive about banners and pictures.  I would definitely recommend using the Etsy forums.  I've read very encouraging and knowledgeable crafters.  I can't wait to meet potential customers and know how my art has brought family and friends together!

I've met a new friend, Nicole.  She is a thoughtful soul and bought her family beads.  She surprised them at her Thanksgiving table.  Below is an email from her...

Hi Kate!

It's great to hear from you! I've had you on my mind like crazy and have been meaning to email you! Your beads were a hit! My family loved them and were touched by them so much! My cousin carries hers in her purse and uses them all day for little prayers. My aunt has hers at her bedside and really loved the idea of them. My other cousin who just lost her best friend to cancer (got her the one with "faith" charm) loved hers as well and she is the one struggling the most right now with believing! What you do is very special and meant so much to all of us! The beads made my brother cry that's how much it meant to him so thank you so much for meeting me and making the holiday extra special for all of us!

Hope you enjoyed yourselves celebrating the holidays with family! It is snowing in Chicago today! I pray you have safe travels home!

Thank you again and it was great meeting James. He's a beautiful boy! Hope to talk to you soon!

Take Care-

Nicole

Bee Hopeful @ Etsy

Bee Hopeful represents an idea that gifts should be thoughtful and gentle. A gift that comes from the heart.

Bee Hopeful started as a thoughtful and gentle gift that was given to me when I faced a delicate time in my life. I'd like to extend this gift to others.Prayer beads

Prayer beads are handheld pieces that help to guide through prayer. My hope is that each user finds peace and inspiration with any life challenge that needs prayer. I include an instruction card which reads as follows:

These beads are designed to help you focus your prayers and to always remember to count your blessings each day!

The first large bead is for you to recite your favorite Bible verse.
The second large bead is for you to thank God for the blessings you received that day.
The third large bead is for you to pray about your biggest concern that day and ask for guidance.
Now enter the circle of beads. As you hold each bead choose someone or something in your heart to pray about.

Why bees? Bees dance. Bees work. Bees make life sweeter!