Have you ever heard of an on-line shabby chic one stop shop?  Oh my goodness, you need to check out http://www.ShabbyLaneShops.com .  This site has absolutely everything you could ever want or need for romantic gifts, home décor, great inspirational decorating ideas and so much more.  There are over 100 sweet shops to look at and find anything your romantic heart desires.

On the other hand, if you’re a designer, crafter or passionate about beginning your on-line presence, this is definitely the site to begin with.  Catherine, our owner, is so gracious in helping you thru the process of joining, setting up your website and guiding you with advertising and more.

Before you ask, yes, I am represented there and it has truly been a blessing.  The ladies who own these wonderful shops have such astonishing talent, their customer service is impeccable and their products are so beautifully presented, you’ll never need to shop anywhere else.

So, in closing, if you’ve never heard of us, please click on this link to find our wonderful shops.  Believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

Wendy @ http://www.BerryLane.com

http://ShabbyLaneShops.com

Well, we’re off to ski for 5 days.  I just can’t believe with this Michigan weather, we’re actually going off to colder temperatures and MORE snow.  The high points are I get to spend 5 days with my children, who actually talk without computers (LOL!) ~ the low points are I’m afraid I’ll fall, run into a tree. . . . etc!  I’m not the most talented skiier! 

Hope all of you have a wonderful week!  Hugs, Wendy

P.S.  I’ll post some pictures when I get back.

I just wanted to say for those of you who will be affected by Gustav my family’s heart, prayers & thoughts are with you all.  Just as with Katrina  ~ please know that my family will do what we are able to help.  God Bless you All!

On the way home from work, I stopped at a sale. . . I didn’t find much, but what I did find I’m just in LOVE with.  How pretty in this vintage handpainted and mirrored tissue box?  I also found a vintage roses apron, strawberry vintage tablecloth, some pretty little flowers and a set of sweet painted baskets.  I’m thinking I may keep the baskets for myself for Christmas.  So pretty with pink pointsettias, huh?

Talk to you soon ~ Wendy

Just updating all three stores, Whew! and a view of my garden.  Just in case no one knows, I have three different sites. . . . http://BerryLane.com , http://CottageBubbles.Etsy.com , http://BerryLane.Etsy.com .  I never know where I’ll list items, so if you’re ever interested, please check all three.  As always, I’m always willing to combine shipping between them all!  O.k. ~ that’s my plug for tonight!

Can you believe, these roses are just from last year?  They’ve probably tripled in size since last year.  I forget what they’re called. . . Miracle roses, Double Blooming somethings. . . anyone know the right name?

Big hugs, Wendy

Wow, what a whirlwind weekend.  First on a business note, I’ve joined a brand new street team on Etsy created by Sadie Lou of SadieLouWho on etsy.  I’ve added her blog on my side bar but you can click here, too!  http://craftilyeverafter.blogspot.com  There are so many wonderfully talented people on etsy who love the shabby chic style so if you’d like to see all their work please visit http://etsy.com to see it all!  I’ll be adding specific shabby chic’er crafters on my side bar as time permits.

Family news . . .  My two boys FINALLY got their driver’s licenses yesterday.  They took drivers ed about 2 years ago, but were never quite “ready” to take their final tests.  My guess is, it’s much easier to have Mom & Dad drive where they needed to go.  They’re both 17 now, and after waiting so long, I thought I would be thrilled.  Come to find out, I’m a nervous wreck.  What if someone hits them, carjacks them, they hurt somebody, they play the radio too loud. . . . I’m sure some of you have dealt with this, but I have to say I’m really afraid.  I just couldn’t bear if anything ever happened to them.  This summer, I’ll go thru it again with my daughter ~ Oh, boy!

I’m back creating again, my work schedule is crazy but I find if I spend just a bit of time crafting, updating my sites or even just dreaming of projects I’m much happier.  I’ll try to check in later on this week again.  Feel free to leave me a comment, send me a e-mail or just say hi!  Have a wonderful week everyone -  One extremely nervous Mother a/k/a Wendy.  LOL!

Well, mixed emotions.  I finally closed my e-bay shop.  It’s so funny, how can you have an attachment to something that really does not exist.   The store really wasn’t making any money, it was just . . . mine.    I’ve put everything in the store up for auction, there really wasn’t that much left anyways, and decided what will be, will be.

On a more positive note, I’ve opened a second shop on Etsy http://CottageBubbles.etsy.com that has my body products (thanks family) and more shabby chic, altered art creations in it.  Tough going, being a new shop and all but I think it WILL work. 

I’ve decided to devote more time to my online store www.BerryLane.com for the simple fact of I always attempt to create items one can’t find anywhere else.  My soul is in this store; I just need to find a way to market more.

After a long illness (a lung infection no less) How Weird! I’m really looking forward to 20008 and creating new items.  Thanks so much, as always for your support, and may you find happiness in your family, friends and all you do!  Sorry for the mushiness, but I really do hope that for you and me!

Well, where to start!  We had a wonderful holiday season here until . . . . the dreaded yuckies came.  I’ve had the worst sinus infection, mixed with flu and now an ear infection.  Boo hoo!  If it hadn’t had been for my whole family chipping in on Christmas dinner and festivities it would have been a total disaster.  Now that I finally broke down and actually took the time to get to the doctor’s for much needed medicine, I’m beginning to feel a bit better.  Hope your holidays went a little healthier, but just as joyful as mine were seeing all my family together.

I’m working on some new items, slowly right now, but they’re in the works.  I’m opening a new shop on etsy that will just have my handmade soaps in it.  My son is working on the banner for me and I hope I’ll have all my stock ready just after the first of the year.  I hope to make the shop another reflection of all the things I love.  Why shouldn’t we add beautiful scents to something we use every day.  I’m concentrating on all natural soaps with rich ingredients.  Having two children and a husband with allergies, I’ve found Goat’s Milk to be a salvation for everyone. 

In addition, I’m adding to my purses and totes line with original totes that will make the romantic in all of us just SING!  Beautiful vintage images, many generously donated by giving friends on Flickr, are copied on fabric and give me so many options for creating these every day useful items.  They also give me a use for my over abundant supply of laces, buttons and costume jewelry.  My Flickr pictures on the side bar are where you’ll be able to get a sneak peak.

In closing, I’d just like to thank everyone, my etsy friends, my flickr buddies, blog buddies and my family for making my life so wonderful.  It is with your encouragement I’m able to create, feel so loved and wake up everyday with new energy.  You’re all dear to me more than you will ever know.

That’s it for now. . . I hope the remainder of your 2007 is filled with happy family memories, inspiration on how to make 2008 an unbelievable year and a safe, HEALTHY New Year to all! 

Love, Wendy

Hi, everyone!  Just wanted to check in again and show you some new items being added to BerryLane.  Believe it or not, I’m already adding Christmas.  It seems like it gets earlier and earlier every year.  With the beginning of school next week, the last of the summer family get togethers and laundry always piled up the ceiling, I thought I’d try to get an early start this year.  Enjoy the pics and as always take care!  Wendy