New Year, New Direction and a Giveaway

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.  THE WINNER IS MIKAYLA MAGER.  WATCH FOR MY NEXT GIVEAWAY IN FEBRUARY.

It's been a while.  I guess I have been busy elsewhere.  It's 2014!  What does this new year hold.  New years are great because it's a time to clear the slate and start anew.  We look back at our year, make adjustments for the future and then we should forget about our mistakes and failings and look ahead with great hope and resolve for the year ahead.  This year I plan to put my Etsy shop on the back burner and focus on my walk with the Lord and how I can be a blessing to others.

Psalm 19:14

The scripture art above is from Google Graphics on Etsy

This is a new thing for me --not that the Lord hasn't been in my life but as for the past 4 years my shop has absorbed much of my spare time and energy.  I feel the Lord is now requiring more of me.  Should I resent that?  I think not.  I might if I continue with my shop and don't have the time for it.   I don't want my shop to be competing for the limited time that I have for what the Lord would have me doing.

Printable Scripture
The above printable scripture is from Amen Printables on Etsy

  Let's face it -- my time is limited.   I work a part time job outside the home, attend church 2 nights a week along with Sunday morning and night.    Something has to go.   Looking back over 2013, I feel that my time has been compromised and at times, I have been called to other things when I wanted to be working on my items for my shop.  It has been a tug of war for my time.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Bible verse art above by Branch and Vine Prints on Etsy

Here is my 3 point focus for 2014:

1. Spend quality time with the Lord each day.

2. Focus on helping others -- by expanding and leading our church food and clothing ministry.
I have been involved with this ministry but I am realizing that it needs much more time. 

3. Diversify my blog -- making my posts not so single-minded.  Post about other things that are important to me like my family, and what the Lord is doing in my life.

Will I return at some point to focus on my Angels-n-Everlastings Etsy shop?  Who knows.
For now I am tired and unmotivated and I am bored with everything in my shop.

So, I think I will give it away - at least some of it.  Here is a good listing to start with:

Beach Seashell Wreath

So lets see, I won't make you jump through hoops to enter.  If you are interested you can find my links at top of page.  OPEN TO US/CANADA ONLY To enter just do 2 things-everyone will get one entry.

1.  Follow this blog if you haven't already.

2. Leave a comment.  Tell me what you plan on focusing on in 2014.

Entries close at midnight on 1/17.   A winner will be chosen some time that weekend. 

Favorites from my Beach Decor Pinterest board

Here are a few of my favorite pins on my Beach Decor Pinterest Board.
I recently spend a few days at Rockport, Ma. It is one of my favorite beach spots and fortunately it is close to where I live. Each year my mom and my sisters get together and we stay at The Captains Bounty. It is right on the Atlantic Ocean at Front Beach. Each morning my sisters and I searched the beach for unique finds to use for my Angels n Everlastings shop. It was creations like this driftwood mirror from CottageandBungalow.com that inspired me to bring home a big bag of driftwood this year.




Here is a color pallette from Thecoastaltouch.com I found recently on pinterest.



I like it because it is different than the aqua beach palettes that are so common. The green is outstanding and so true to life. Check out this photo



I took while at Rockport showing the same green tone.

Here is one more pinterest find from houzz.com I love the neutral tones here! These tiles are by Wet Dog Tile Co located in Alstead, New Hampshire. Visit their web site here.

Traditional Bathroom by Alstead Tile, Stone & Countertops Wet Dog Tile Co.

Well, these are just a few pins from my beach home decor pinterest. Check out the rest at http://www.pinterest.com/judy_russi/beach-home-decor/ Kindly leave a comment or share your favorite beach finds.

CASTTEAM Weekend Promo Event

Each weekend the CASTTEAM on Etsy opens a promo thread. If you belong to the CASTTEAM and are looking for a way to promote your items -- visit the thread here. You need to be willing to promote other posts if you want to list your items in the thread. Please read full instructions before posting.

Here are my favorites from this weekends posts.

This is just the cutest baby hat and what a great photo:

How about this gluten free playdough:

And one more -- I love this beach themed treasure box:

Take a moment to visit these shops and listings -- You'll be glad you did. If you are a Christian and have an Etsy shop and are looking for a team, I recommend joining the CASTTEAM. It's a great group of supportive Etsy shop owners. Someone is always available and willing to answer questions or offer suggestions on how to improve your shop. It's also a great place if you need prayer or are interested in Christian fellowship from around the world.

New at Angels-n-Everlastings

One of my newer listings at Angelsneverlastings.etsy.com is the beach scene diorama.  I really enjoy putting these together.  Each one is unique.

I enjoy painting the background as I find it more creative than putting wreaths together.  I carefully go though my beach findings to choose just the right seashells or driftwood to finish each one.  A sawtooth hanger can be added to the back if you would prefer to hang rather than display on a tabletop.

Here's a new wreath just listed today.

It has eucalyptus, seashells, dried roses and deep blue larkspur.  Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/160918420/seashell-wreath-spanish-moss-covered?ref=shop_home_active

A sheer ribbon bow surrounded by dried roses and seashells creates a soft focal point.









I love to walk the beach early in the morning, many mornings I take some photos as the sun rises.
Here's one from a recent morning.

On a recent morning, I found some interesting driftwood pieces.  What did I do with them?

Here are some Christmas tree ornaments or small wall hangings, made from the driftwood, seashells, moss and sea glass:

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This one is a larger wall hanging with seashells, sea glass and green moss.  It measures 17 inches long.  Watch for the driftwood pieces to be added soon to my Etsy shop.

My links:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelsNEverlastings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsNEverlastings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/judyrussi
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/judy_russi

Savvy Deets Bridal - A Wedding Blog: {DIY} Seashell Wreath Tutorial | Guest Post from A...

 I'd like to post a link to a DIY guest blog post that I did this week at Savvy Deets Bridal.  Here is the wreath:

This wreath is available in my Angels-n-everlastings Etsy Shop but if you would like to make your own beach keepsake wreath -- check out the tutorial at Savvy Deets Bridal.  If you make your own I would love to see it!


Savvy Deets Bridal - A Wedding Blog: {DIY} Seashell Wreath Tutorial | Guest Post from A...: We are overjoyed to be bringing you this delightful DIY tutorial today from Etsy artisan Judy with Angels N Everlastings ! Judy's s...

My Beach Photos

I have been trying to spend as many mornings at our local beach as possible this spring and summer.

I try to take a few photos each morning and was really anxious to share them but my computer died recently so I was unable to post them. I finally took my computer to be looked at and it was determined that it was not worth fixing.  

This week I purchased a ASUS Laptop which I really like.  It is really difficult to live without a computer these days. 

One thing about the beach is that it is new every morning.  The tide is different -- the sun is in a different spot.  What washes up on the beach is slightly different too. 

  You never know what you will see.   These seagulls were having their breakfast and were rather annoyed with my presence.

 The colors are different depending on whether the sun is shining or if it is grey and overcast. 

 

 These photos were taken at Revere Beach which is just north of Boston.  It is a 5 minute drive from my house. 

 I try to collect seashells or sea glass each time I am there which I use in my Angels n Everlastings Etsy shop.   I use these finds in my beach theme wreaths, photo frames and wall hangings.  Sometimes it's nice to find a perfect seashell but I also like to find a seashell that has been tossed and broken and polished.  It makes it a unique find. 


 
 
 

 I have some other photos taken at Rockport, Ma. which I will post next time. 

  

Favorites from the Weekend Cast Team Help Thread

 

Wood Sign with Seashells

If you are familiar with my Angels n Everlastings shop -- you know that I love anything coastal, so of course,  here is a favorite by Elaine of Sharing Seashells.   She has other interesting seashell creations - check them out here.

Personalized Wedding Coaster Set

 

Planning a wedding?  Etsy is full of unique handmade items that can be personalized especially for your day.  Here is a nice coaster set by Prayer Notes by Cynthia which could be used for favor or wedding party gifts or even a special gift for the bride and groom. Check out the other listings here.

Crocheted Infinity Scarf in Teal Blue

 
 
My last choice is this handspun infinity scarf in a beautiful ocean teal blue.  Joanne of Heaven Spun Creations hand spins the yarn for this scarf from the highest quality merino and local wool.  Check out her other listings here.



Click here to check out the other Cast Team listing on the "help one another thread".  If you are a member of the Cast Team - there is a new thread every weekend -- join in! 

New Year - New Stuff

Wreath, Moss Covered Grapevine with Eucalyptus, Seashells, Sea Glass, Dried Roses and Lavender

 Here's to wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2013.  I've been busy restocking my Angels n Everlastings Etsy shop.  I've created this round wreath above using all of my favorite things - green moss, assorted seashells, bits of green sea glass, fragrant lavender and eucalyptus and pink dried roses.  It's really pretty and would be perfect for the beach lover.

Beach Lover Photo Frame

Coastal Decor Photo Frame with Seashells and Sea Glass

Here are a few of my latest beach decor photo frames.  The beach photos shown in listings are included or you can fill the photo frame with your favorite photo from your latest family beach outing.  These make great gifts - perfect for someone who can't make it to the beach or for beach wedding-party gifts.  The one above has pretty green sea glass and is a table top version.  Both photo frames includes seashells that I collected along the New England coast.  The one on right can be used as a table top or wall decoration. 


                                                                                          

Seashell Heart Wreath with Green Moss and Sea Glass

  Of course I have a few of these seashell twig heart wreaths.  These are quite popular but I can't seem to get anymore of the twig wreath frames - so the ones in my shop may be the last.  So if you like these -- buy one before they are gone. 
There are other new listings in my Angels n Everlastings Etsy shop. Click here to check them out. 


My other links - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Stumbleupon

Giveaway - Beach Lover Photo Frame

I think I will have a giveaway!  Here is one of my 4 by 6" beach lover photo frames.  This one happens to have a photo of my daughter in it but I will replace it with a beach scene photo or you can add a special photo of your own.   This daughter is going to be twenty this month and she doesn't like her photo posted.

 The photo frame is sponged with aqua blue and sand colored paint and then embellished with assorted seashells and sea glass.  If you'd like to see more of my beach home decor visit my Etsy shop here.

I'll try to keep this simple.  I know you hate when you have to jump through loops to enter giveaways. 

Let's see -- Giveaway open to US/Canada only.  If you'd like to win this photo frame - do any or all of the following:

Entry #1  Simply leave comment here - (leave a email address so I can contact you if you win)
Entry #2  Follow my twitter at https://twitter.com/judyrussi
Entry #3  Like my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AngelsNEverlastings
Entry #4  Follow this blog

Bonus entries -- A bonus entry for each promo of this giveaway (blog, tweet, facebook post, etc)

Leave a separate comment here for each entry please.  If you are already follower/liker just say so in  comment. 

You can enter until midnight on 10/15/12 - Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 10/16/12.

Local Shellin!

Photo Frame with Seashells and Sea Glass

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The best part of creating wall hangings and seashell embellished photo frames is that it gives me an excuse to be at the beach collecting seashells. 

I've been spending some time on Friday mornings -- hitting the local beaches to collect shells.  Here is a landmark on Revere Beach - Kelly's Roast Beef.  It's a great place to get fried clams, lobster rolls and fish.  I stopped there for a breakfast sandwich and coffee before hunting for shells. 

Here's the sun shining over Revere Beach one morning. 

Well, this is what you have to choose from on Revere Beach.  Not a lot of interesting stuff but if you look closely you can find some gems.

Of course, these seagulls are permanent residents along Revere Beach.  Lot's of them hang out by Kelly's and feast on not only what washes up with the tide but also what people will share of their Kelly's dinners.  You really need to be careful because if you leave your food unguarded -- they will come and steal it. 

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 These seagulls prefer fresh over fried seafood.

 Here are some of the seashells I collected this week.  Some of them are just bits of broken seashells that some would pass by.  I love these though because even though they are broken -- they are tossed and their rough edges are all smoothed out. Each one is unique.

Visit my Etsy shop here to see where I have used some of these collected seashells to the embellished photo frames and other nautical themed wreaths and wall hangings. 
Here is my facebook page -- my twitter, google+ and pinterest.