Friday, October 31, 2008

Something Old...Something New

No, I'm not referring to anything wedding related - but did want to share what's been on my heart lately.

You've heard me mention before that I would love to have a Blessing Fund that I could easily draw from to give to others. Here's the story...

Recently I came across a site kind of like Pampered Chef or Mary Kay. Yet - a faith-based company that was selling cute items. I have never seriously considered doing anything like this for several reasons, but I was considering it now. Could I use something like this to contribute to my Blessing Fund?

I thought about it for several days and decided to put the idea on hold. Then a week or so later, the same site surfaced again and I started thinking about it again. I asked David about it. I kept thinking about it.

The next morning, I was out running errands with my sweet littles and another thought came to mind. Why didn't I follow a dream I've had for years rather than jumping into something new. Now things started to feel right and like a good fit.

I've long wanted to find neat items at thrift stores, free piles or garage sales and fix them up a bit and have an Open House a couple of times a year. It is something I enjoy doing and you all know how much I love a bargain! If I was selling someone else's item - I would not be in control of how thrifty it was or be able to pass along a good deal to someone else as much as if I was the one doing the creating!

With this idea I believe God has placed afresh in my heart, the gifts He has given me and some fun inspiration here ~ I've decided to give it a try.

I will tell you that I am a bit scared to do this - what if I fail? But, I won't know if I don't try. As eluded to above - I am planning to use this opportunity to contribute to a Blessing Fund and I'd also like to use part of it for adding to our family resources such as quality books, movies and such. There are so many great resources out there - but it is hard to know how to fit those kinds of things into our budget.

I have a small beginning and will be hosting my Open House here on my blog!! I'll have items posted in a few weeks and hope you will enjoy browsing the works of my hands!

Now, for the fun part - would you help me name this little operation? I want it to represent who I am and what it is, I'm feeling very stuck on the name! The winner will receive an item that I've prepared for the sale!!!

Here's a small sneak peek at what I will offer ~


Name entries will be accepted now through Sunday night. Winner will be announced with the first day of the sale, but I'll let you know by e-mail if you won! Have fun! I can't wait to hear your ideas!

PS: Carrie and I are doing a little Q&A over at her blog - hop on over if you have a question! Some of the answers will probably end up over here - but go there to leave your question!

67 comments:

Katy said...

What a fantastic idea Monica!!! I think this is wonderful for you!!!
Let's see....some name ideas...

Creations From The Heart
Renewed Treasures
Homespun Creations

I dunno...LOL. I am truly having a hard time thinking any up! I look forward to seeing the name you choose...i bet you will have tons of ideas from people! Have a GREAT Friday!

Monica Wilkinson said...

What about: A Touch of Homespun?

Leanne said...

"Restored Blessings"

Wendi said...

Great idea!

I am not very creative... let's see...
*Homespun Blessings
*Blessings from a Homespun Heart
*Homespun Treasures

Sarah M said...

I like Katy's "Renewed Treasures"!

I am awful at coming up with names too.

*carrie* said...

Monica,

What a great idea. I look forward to talking with you later today!

I feel that the name needs to have the word homespun in it! All I can come up with right now is Homespun (Heart) Thrift and Craft Co. Will keep pondering . ..

Unknown said...

Great idea...I think you made the right decision regarding the Direct Sales industry. I've tried that avenue and found it took more time from my family than I expected.

Name ideas?
I like Homespun Creations that Katy came up with.

Homespun Blessings

Definitely think Homespun should be in there...that's your tradename...at least here on the blog.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Monica-
How about:
Homespun Handmade-Downs, Homespun Treasures, Hidden Treasures from the Heart, or Hand-to-Heart Gifts?

Sounds like an exciting new venture that will bless the socks off people (and you)!

Kelly McD.

Anonymous said...

What a terrific idea the Lord has laid on heart. I like several of the suggestions. Perhaps you could combine some of the great ideas into Renewed Homespun Treasures.

Anonymous said...

Homespun Blessings!

Anonymous said...

"Monica's Homespun Heart Creations"

Kim E

Unknown said...

Great idea, Monica! :) (how do you schedule the time to do all these neat things? :D Do you have an organizational system for your time?)
I would love to do more baking & crafting to bless others also,...

I like A Touch of Homespun as you mentioned...how about:

Heart & Home Treasures
Sweetly Homespun
Homespun from My Heart
Monica's Marvelous Market :D (heehee!)

Could you use any Avonlea ideas in your name...like Kindred Spirits or something?

I try to think of more later...

Ann @TheAssetEdge said...

My 2 ideas were already taken, so I'll put in a vote. I like Homespun Blessings and Homespun Treasures. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

I agree that it should have Homespun in the name, and maybe also Treasures, or Blessings, or Heart...

Homespun Works of Heart
Homespun Treasures from the Heart

I look forward to seeing your open house!

Christy said...

How about...

"Spun from Home"
"Simply Homespun"
"The warmth of Homepsun"
"Homespun Trimmings"

Blessings to you!
Christy

melissa said...

Crafty Creations
Homespun from the Heart

Christy said...

"Spun from the Heart"

Nystral Djo said...

cozy crafts?

Michelle said...

Monica,

Great idea, this something you are really good at.

Sharing Blessings
Passing on a Blessing

asnipofgoodness said...

Great idea Monica....I know you will do a wonderful job!!! right off the bat I thought of
The Rusty Robin
I don't know why, it just popped into my mind. I will keep thinking.
Homespun Happiness
Homespun Happenstance
Spun at Home
Haven says...Fix ya up Chappy
We will keep on a thinkin

Check out my blog I may have your first project...lol

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

Heartful Treasures
Heartful Handfulls
Monica's Blessings

Actually, I think "The Homespun Heart" is a great name for your business, too!

angie said...

Congratulations on taking this step. Do not fear failure--for you are doing this for the glory of God!
I'm glad to see that others gave more than one suggestion, because I also have a few:
Bestowed Blessings
Another's Blessing
Sowing in Blessings
Blessed be His Name
I can't wait to "attend" your inaugural open house!

the voice of melody said...

Congratulations Monica, this sounds like such a wonderful idea! I'm sure you'll do very well.

I like "Homespun Treasures" the best.

Many sweet blessings!

Rebecca Ann said...

That is a wonderful idea Monica. Actually my mother sister and I have had a business very similar to yours actually for the past four years. Every christmas we would sell our homemade christmas ornaments and other decorations and different foods like homemade drink mixs and fudge and caramenl corn. Everyone we know loved it so much! We were able to make enough money for my sister and I last year to go to the vision forum father daughtar retreat with our dad and have some more money to go to europe over the summer with our parents. We did not pay for the whole europe trip but we had quite a bit from it. WE also would use some of the money to go to a charity like we would do operation christmas child or we would get a child from the christmas tree at the mall and get them some christmas presents. One year we also gave to crosslink which is a local christian mission organization. So yes having a business like that is wonderful and you can help others and use some of the money for other opportunities. God bless you with your business and in helping others.

I think it could be called. Thrifty Blessings.

Christiana said...

Looks like you have lots of great ideas already...

Homespun Handicrafts

Anonymous said...

I like Homespun Treasures too. That is inclusive - you can have your wonderful handmade things as well as restored items.

I am so excited for you! I have thought of doing this kind of thing in an antiques mall booth, if only we had one close by. Maybe that would be an option for you if you want, in the future?

Good luck with everything. :)

Jennifer

Monica Wilkinson said...

Ooooh! I'm loving your suggestions - now the hard part: picking one! :)

Unknown said...

Homespun Creations
Cozy Creations
Redeemed Treasures
Cozy House Restored Treasures


I like Restored Blessings & Homespun Blessings best. I also like the Homespun Heart Thrift and Craft Co., but that may be a bit long! Maybe you could stamp that on the back of some of your creations? It is hard to come up with a good name!

Boomeyers said...

How about "Homespun....Homemade" or "The Homespun Heart....Homemade". That way you keep the name recognition of your blog, with your store name.

Barb, over a "A Chelsea Mornining" just did hers as "A Chelsea Morning Shoppe".

Good luck! Can't wait to see the goodies!

Kathy said...

Oh I think this is a great ideas...the one posted that I like the best is Leanne's Restored Blessings...you could even do Homespun's Restored Blessings.

How about;
Homespun from my heart to yours...
Homespun Charity...
Homespun with love...

lol...I am not at all creative...that is why I visit your blog! =)

Anonymous said...

What a great idea, you truly have a gift for creativity.

Simple Heartspun Blessings
From Old to New
Treasures from the Heart
Blessings from the Heart
Encouragement from the Heart

Anonymous said...

I liked Homespun Blessings. I know someone already suggested it but I think that ones really nice!

Anonymous said...

Or maybe Homespun Blessing from the Heart.

Debra said...

Hi Monica,
We appear to be on the same wavelength - I have been wanting to do something from home for fun and to make a little extra $ but just couldn't figure out what to to. I have figured it out and will open my own Etsy shop in the next week or so. I don't want to steal your thunder so I'll wait to share what it is - I have to say that the fear of failure is big for me too. But I think we know in our hearts that we should do it and see what happens.

As for the name- I also had the same issue. I want it to sound just right. My name came to me one morning while I was laying in bed and I haven't looked back. I just knew it was right.

I like A touch of Homespun as well as Katy's idea - Renewed Treasures.
Good luck!

Steph at Problem Solvin' Mom said...

I immediately thought of

"Gifts from the Heart"

which is quite similar to Blessings from the heart.

I also like the sound of
Homespun Treasures from the Heart

I have been toying with the idea of starting an Etsy shop, I would be very interested in hearing more about your plan!

Take care,
Steph

Susan P. said...

I think this is such a wonderful idea! All of the suggestions you have been given are great, the only other one that came to mind would be Blessing's Boutique:)

gail said...

monica,
love this idea for your situation. and i think your idea to be in control and being able to pass on the savings is a great one.

i knew a gal who started doing this 5-6 years ago and was doing a good biz with it, so i think you can be successful.

i also love your blessing fund idea. i also have wanted to have a fund, i call mine my benevolent fund, but haven't had any funds of late to fund it with. thank you for reminding me to think proactively how i might be a prov 31 woman and fund my benevolent fund.

i won't add any names as you have a great variety to choose from, but your prizes look wonderful. i still have the christmas garland i won last year and can't wait to put it up for this year.

have a blessed weekend with your family,
gail (the nosy parker with all the questions!)

Heather said...

I'm excited for you, that you get to fulfill a dream and a desire to bless others at the same time.

I was thinking about your idea and thought about the name "Blessed to be a Blessing." That's what God told Abraham, that he was blessed to be a blessing.

I'm looking forward to seeing your lovely creations!

Catherine said...

What a wonderful idea!
How about "Recollections", or "Homespun Recollections"? I wish I could come to the open house!

Have a restful weekend

Mrs. K said...

This is a great idea - and you have a great start! I never thought about hosting my own open house. I have been thinking about buying a spot at a Christmas Bazaar but hosting my own open house seems so much better!

As for names, you've got a great start from the other commenters!

My suggestions are simple:

Redeemed
or Refreshed

Anonymous said...

Homespun by Grace
Homespun Touches
Homespun Blessings


Amber
mtreposetransformers@hotmail.com

Bay said...

Monica,
I just want to say, I think that this is a really great idea. I have been talking to my family about how I need to find that "something" that I love to do and could do from home. I have yet to find it! But it really sounds like you are on to something for yourself. I wish you the best. I am not *too* creative with names, but I'll throw in:
Homespun Re-runs

Anonymous said...

Monica, why not keep it "The Homespun Heart"? It fits completely who you are and what you do. It also fits the things that you make.

Anonymous said...

You have a great blog. i found you some how when i was looking for things on our sons birth defect esophageal atresia. I iwish you all the best.

Paige said...

I've been thinking all night about this and I keep coming back to the name "Hope Haven". It's an orphanage in Virginia that does amazing work for the Lord. True Religion according to Jesus!
How does that tie in to what you're doing? I'm not sure, maybe the things you'll use would otherwise be orphaned? And you freshen them up and cover them in prayer and send them into the world new creatures. Yes that sounds good.
xo
P~

Anonymous said...

Oh, Monica! I didn't realize that we could leave comments again without having an account. How did I miss that?

Anyway, I think this is a wonderful idea that God has placed on your heart. My idea for a name is: 'Treasures from the Heart' or 'Treasures from the Homespun Heart'.

Blessings to you in this endeavor!

heicoc said...

-Abundent blessings from a Homespun Heart
-Alabaster Box
-Ashes to beauty
-A Homespun Heart full of treasures

If you start your name with an "a", it will be near the top of any listings if you ever publish it in a phone book or online listing....

Patty said...

How about this;

From Thrifts to Gifts

Or, you could shorten it to

Thrifts 2 Gifts

Josiah and Anna said...

The Homespun Heart is a nice name:-)
Or The Homespun Heart's Creations
The Homespun Treasures
The Homespun Attic

Hope these help.... That sounds really cool what you are doing! God bless. Anna

Josiah and Anna said...

Sorry, I just read through the comments and some of what I came up with are already on there. Didn't mean to duplicate what others said!

Josiah and Anna said...

How about " The Homespun Touch"?
or "Happily Homespun" ... ?

Tracy said...

How about
"Homespun With Heart" or
"Homespun: From the Heart, for the Heart"
I can't wait to see what you do with this! How fun!

Jenn said...

Heart and Hand creations

Homespun creations

Homespun Whimsey

Kimberly said...

That is a wonderful idea Monica! You have lots of suggestions and my first thought was also 'Homespun Blessings'. The only other thing that came to mind was 'Homespun Re-done'

Wife of Rob said...

Monica,
"He who began a GOOD work in you will be FAITHFUL to COMPLETE it"...

A couple of thoughts:
"Homespun Handies"
"Monica's Makeovers"
"Homespun Happies"

(My best friend is the giver of "happies" to me and most anyone that she is friends with. It's just her way of spreading sunshine, which sounds a lot like your "blessing fund").

I love what you are doing....keep up the Lord's work.

Your sister in the Lord from South Alabama,
Jen

Jenny said...

"Heart and Hand Homespun Treasures"

Your logo could include tracings of your children's hands.

mamanugget said...

What about...

Homespun Heartstrings
Homespun Heartstrings & Things
Homespun With Love

Best wishes to you in your new endeavor!

mcnuggt mama
(smcdona731@yahoo.com)

Angela said...

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Angela said...

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The Parson's Wife said...

I like a Touch of Homespun too... and so many other creative thoughts were offered. I do think sticking with "The Homespun Heart" would be easy to remember for all, maybe just add an ending:

The Homespun Heart Co.
The Homespun Heart Offers
From the Homespun Heart
The Homespun Heart Gifts
The Homespun Heart Shares
The Homespun Heart Creates
The Homespun Heart

Jen said...

I didn't read them all so maybe this is a duplicate...
Homespun Restorations
Homespuns for the Heart

Georgia Girl said...

Blessings from the Homespun Attic......


Great idea Monica. I love all the little things you have shown. Whatever you choose God will be there to help you. He is always in control.

Tamara said...

I love this idea, Monica, and I think it's a great way to build a blessing fund. I love "Homespun Blessings". The only other thing I can think of is "The Homespun Provision Co." b/c it sounds old-fashioned.

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed your blog. I'm just updating mine (after a long while) and have added your blog to my favorites list. Thanks for sharing and I'll be checking in often!

Anonymous said...

When my sister or mom or I find something fun for each other but there is no special occasion, we say "I found a little happy for you today".

So how about Happy Homespun
or Homespun Happys?

debi said...

"Homespun From My Heart To Your Home"

Jane said...

I just came over here because someone linked to your sock monkey post. Anyway, I love this idea. It's terrific! Wish I had a title for you. This year I did something similar. I wanted to make some extra money to contribute to church. I don't have the money in our current budget to spare, so I decided to make play kitchens and sell them on craigslist with the money going to our homeless lunch program at church. It's been a pretty successful journey so far. I find the night stands I use as the base for free on the curb or in the free section of craigslist. Many times when I drive around I pray about my venture and find great ideas or items that I can use. I am sure God will bless your positive intentions!