Christmas in My Etsy Shops

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NaNoWriMo update: it's Day 5 and I'm on track (and a smidge over) with 8452 words.

I've put a few more Christmas items in my Etsy shop, Twice Shy Restored:

This little snowman trio;

Baby Jesus candy cane ornaments;

and, salt shaker snow scenes.

In answer to the question, "What is your best advice for juggling the holidays, your business, and family commitments", I'd have to say, START EARLY.

Everyone's different. Some people thrive on doing things at the last minute. I'm not one of those people. I am a listmaker. I'm an organizer. Nothing stresses me out more than having to rush to meet a deadline. So, when it comes to my business, I'll start planning for the holidays well ahead of time -- at least by July. By then I know if I'm doing any shows or have any products I'm reproducing in quantity. By August I've bought supplies. By September I'm in production. By the end of October, I'm finished with major preparation and have a plan for implementation. I'm also in the thick of saying "no" to anything extra and setting boundaries with other commitments in my life. That's the only way I know how to do it. That way, the business doesn't impact my family life except for a few set days when I've asked my husband and sometimes even my son to chip in.

How about you?

Comments

Angela said…
I *love* what you did with the bottle brush trees! That is so clever! :o)
November 5, 2009 at 5:35 PM
said…
Lovely additions to your Etsy shop!
November 5, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Unknown said…
I am a last minute person darn it...not like Christmas Eve, but in December..The last few Christmas's were so heartbreaking, that I am afraid to look forward to this one!!!!
November 5, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Jingle said…
I LOVE those salt shaker snow scenes! They are wonderful!
November 6, 2009 at 7:50 AM
Micki said…
I love your Christmas editions! The baby is lovely!
Micki
November 6, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Unknown said…
Those snow shaker scenes are so clever!
Visiting via etsy bloggers!
November 8, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Made by Melissa said…
What lovely Christmas items! I just started making some for my shop over the weekend.
November 9, 2009 at 12:58 PM
storybeader said…
I hate to procrastinate! So I'm another who likes to start early and keep ahead of the curve! Cute items! Very original!
November 12, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Something Special said…
Lauri, your snow scenes in the salt shakers are so so cool. Is that your idea. Very clever, but looks hard. I like them a lot!
November 3, 2010 at 6:05 PM
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