Follow your Dreams

I first had the idea for The Lily Pad Shop in college. I was attending BYU at the time and had little money for gifts for the weddings of my friends. I began making my own cards and gifts to help reduce the expense.

Several years later I was married with a small one at home and struggling to find a creative outlet. My husband wanted to buy me a sewing machine. It had been a while since I sewed. My "Lily Pad Shop" was brought back to life. I began making gifts again. I felt the joy again that comes from creating.

This new adventure of business ownership is exciting and sometimes exhausting. But following your dreams often is. Never give up on those dreams that you hold dear. It may take some time before you see them come to fruition, but if it is worth it to you, it is worth it keep pursuing it.

My Sewing Machine

I have been sewing since I was eight. My first project was a quilt. My mom helped me pencil in the design and I sat on the living room floor and hand stitched an umbrella with rain drops on a small pink quilt. I was so excited to finish that quilt. Then we moved onto machine sewing. Within a year I was making "Barbie" clothes along with the finger pillows and finger bags I mentioned in a previous post. When I went away to college I wanted a sewing machine. It was difficult to find just the right clothes and making them seemed like the way to go.

I worked extra hours during the summer, saved and bought my sewing machine. It was a cheap sewing machine but for the most part it did what I asked of it...for about a year. I am a firm believer in the philosophy "You get what you pay for". Now I use my sewing machine A LOT! After all I have a business now that revolves around sewing. I was nervous about purchasing the machine I currently have. I have never spent that much money on such an item. After thinking about it for an entire year, I bought it.

I have not regretted it since. I don't have the headaches with this machine that I did with all the other sewing machines that I had in the past. I am here to tell you that whatever you purchase, go for the "good stuff". You are using your hard earned money, purchase things that are going to last. It's better to spend a bit more (if you have it of course) and buy something that is going to give you years of use than something that is only going to last a year or less.

Thinking of other things besides sewing machines? For the first 4 years of our marriage, my husband and I bought a new vacuum almost every year because ours broke down. They were all broken down so much that the repairs would cost more than a new vacuum. We finally got a high end vacuum that many of our friends and family had recommended. We love it! It's been two years and it performs like the day we bought it!

Just my opinion of course!

A Child's World

In a child's world you can take Legos and make anything. Every piece will fit and every piece makes the end product even better.

As I've gotten older I find that if I don't have all the right "Lego pieces" I want to give up and wait till I have all the pieces I want. Part of being creative is taking something normal and turning it into something different, better, or just more useful.

When I was first married and had little money, used dryer sheets worked as the perfect dusters. They would attract the dust just fine and didn't leave the lint that regular cloths did. Now I have one of those store bought dusting gadgets. So was it my lack of money that made me more creative or my need?

In a child's world it's neither. Couch cushions are forts waiting to happen, bed sheets are sails of a vast ship, and Legos are the beginning of a new adventure.

So as you're hurrying along in an overworked muddle, try looking at things as a child would. Maybe your daily tasks will be a little less "normal".

The weather.

I love winter! It's my favorite time of the year. Seeing the evening sky get a slight purple hue and the magical snow fall slowly to cover the earth with a soft blanket changes everything in my world. There is a quiet yet exciting element that comes with the change of snow. Here it is almost May and we had snow fall around my home. It didn't stay, but it was beautiful.

You never know what the weather is going to be here. It's like life. You can plan every day for something that's coming, but life will change right in front of your eyes. So you change the way you view things, change the way you react. Plan no matter what and always know that it's going to change.

Life, like the weather changes on its own. It adds variety and excitement. So enjoy it a little more.

Slippers

Did you know that walking around barefoot can still make your carpet dirty? The oils from your skin attract dirt and then it rubs off into the carpet. By wearing socks or slippers it helps to keep your floors cleaner. So if you have a "no shoes allowed" rule, provide socks or slippers for your guests that are barefoot. Cozy socks in a basket by the door can make it more inviting.

Here is a picture of children's slippers that I am going to be selling.

Whether your green or not...

Did you know that used dryer sheets make great dusting rags? (the static properties help the dust cling to the dryer sheet). Just another great way to recycle!

Recycling and conserving energy can be easy and cost effective. It's not about making a big "scene" when doing your part, it's more about making a difference. Small things such as using reusable shopping bags and carpooling can be simple, even if carpooling is done just one day out of the week.

Another great way to recycle is to use old jars and containers to make musical instruments for the children in your life. Simply adding beads or beans and some glue can make an afternoon of fun and excitement.

The Quilt -A Legacy of Memories

Here is the Quilt that I made for a couple who have been married for 40 years. I loved doing it. Full of memories and love! Each block has a story! They told me each block is like living the stories and memories each time. This is such a great way to share your memories with your family and friends!