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I swear I can't win for losing... Good ole Wally-world finally started carrying Mason(tm) jars a few weeks ago, and I jumped for joy! I hated riding all over central MA looking for the things, so I determined as soon as I got paid, I would stock up, so I could happily fulfill my orders for the 12/24 Load package of Laundry Powder. (No links today; you see why when you read further)

So I get paid, and roll into the store and guess what? They've decided to re-vamp the household section and no Mason Jars to be found. I check at the local Stop N Shop... they've carried the things too -- no dice.

So I went online to buckle down and purchase the silly things from the Mason/Ball company. The jars are $8.49. Not bad. The shipping is $12.01.

Seriously?

So, I guess it's off to Shrewsbury to find my jars, so my customers can get their laundry powder.

Speaking of laundry powder, I've made an executive decision, a la GM. I'm going to pare down the shop to only the Grandma Helen and the Abuelita Lidia line. The other parts haven't been as profitable as the household cleaners, so I'm going back to the original idea of concentrating on these things to be able to deliver the most quality product. What you'll find at GreenFamilyTree after the 15 will be:

Grandma Helen's Laundry Products - Powder, Freshener, Powerhouse Sachets
Abuelita Lidia's Cleaning Products - Cleaners, Eco-Friendly cloths, cleaning sets, etc.

As much as I like soaping, it's not profitable right now. When I get more profitable and organized, I'll bring it back.

The Defender's Burden? I think it's more effective to keep my shops at one concentration. I may shop at Wally-World, but I don't want to look like Wally-world. And that's no dig at the shops who carry a multitude of items. If you can do it without going crazy, you have my undying admiration. I can't. So GFTPublications will be open by July 1. Wish me luck. Again.

Since I've been babbling forever; I'll post my Artisans of the Day in a later post.

You guys have a great day!

Busy day today, thank goodness! I've got some packing and shipping to do -- and not at my day job either. Then, it's off to Movie Night with the son tonight after work. I think we're seeing Angels and Demons this week. I know, there are folk who are all in an uproar about this movie, but I think it's an interesting story with one thing that always fascinates me -- puzzles.

Today, I posted three new pieces, of of which is pictured to over there. I promised to offer jewelry for all spiritual beliefs, and here it goes. I created this piece during my first year as a jewelry crafter, and it is one of my favorites -- I hope it finds a good home!










Artisan of the Day


Well, off to devour some pizza with the Tiny Dancer! Have a great weekend!

Anyone who is a lover of deep blue will adore Avalon. I had a set of three of these briolettes two of which you'll see in my Sleeping Beauty Earrings, and this pendant sized stone kept getting misplaced over the past year. I would lose it and it would appear again, a few weeks later in the oddest places. Once, I even found it behind the microwave!

If you love the stories of Valdemar, you'll understand why I call these the Monarch's Own. These pretties are part of the hoop series of earrings I've been creating, coupling tiny little Swarovski crystal and sterling silver. There will be more coming soon, in all kinds of colors.










For those of you who like to shower in the dark, I just have to show you this great glow in the dark soap from dugsshop.




This is what I aspire to. This is a gorgeous aventurine pendant from imperialdesignsjewelry. One day, folks, one day...




The theme of the day is green, in case you haven't notice, and this is a perfect example of "green". This Tuscan Art gold ring by GreenORO is created out of 100% post consumer recycled gold. I love the delicate detail of this ring, and if I had the money laying around, I might make sure my husband never, ever forgot this Father's Day.

Okay, everyone go get to shopping or browsing ,and have a great day!

1000 Markets isn't moving as fast as I would like (simply because I'm an impatient so and so), so I've opened yet ANOTHER shop on Etsy. This time, I believe I've got it right (yeah, I know, next thing you know I'll be calling myself General Motors).

GFT Designs (same name as the 1KM store) is officially open & I'm having a 10% off Grand Opening Sale.

And finally, finally, finally, I've got my "fulfillment department" all set -- orders are ready to be packed and shipped by Friday. Please, Lord, I'm begging you now...

I'll be posting my Artisans of the Day Later, because I'm sure that at least half the world is asleep right now & who is going to see them now?

For those of you who are preparing for the Father's Day rush, I just learned one interesting thing: June 21 is Father's Day in the US, UK & Canada. It's September 6 in Australia & New Zealand. This great site will give you the dates for all kinds of Father's Day Celebrations around the world. Knock that around those creative heads of yours for some real cool promotional ideas!

So, onto some way off business topic ruminations (you can stop reading if you don't wish to be bummed out) This is for you:

I have to make mention of the plane disappearance that happen on June 1. I've been trying to keep track of this all day for any new news. My thoughts and prayers do go out to the family members and for the victims of this terrible event. If this plane has crashed into the Atlantic as all reports indicate, I certainly hope they can find it and bring closure to the families involved.

Lastly, all I have to say about GM's bankruptcy woes is... welcome to the world of normal folk, GM, where there are consequences for bad financial planning. For example; I owned one of the cars you see over there for about 3 years; I ended up giving it up for a Toyota Highlander. I spent (in car payments to that date) about $6,000... I still owed $7K when I gave it up. It was sold at auction for $1600 -- about 1/2 it's fair market value. I know I feel gyped, especially since they still want an additional $4K from me. Blood from a stone, guys, blood from a stone. BTW, for those who don't know, this is a GM Car. Or was, because they stopped making them a few years ago, and as of next year, Pontiac will no longer exist.

I hope that all of the employees that have been severanced after all these years are able to find new work that will equal what they have gotten from working at what was once the most secure job in the US. As I did some research, I realized that GM has been closed to bankruptcy at the very least three times before -- once very soon after its inception. Let's hope they learned their lessons now and can re-emerge a company that is fit for the 21st century.

Okay enough of all that bad news; forgive me, but this just makes me all giggly in a 12 year old kind of way. Even though all of the naughty bits are blurred out, this is not for the faint of heart. I wish more people could have fun with life like this guy.

Now... Go check out the new shop and wish me luck!