Talk to me Tuesday: Rustic Romance Crafts style

Welcome to Talk to Me Tuesday!! Today we are meeting the very talented Kristen, of Rustic Romance Crafts, who just recently was added as a sponsor to my blog. I am so excited to have her part of my krafty-kraziness. She makes beautiful wreaths, banners, wedding decor, summer decor, patriotic decor and more. 

Welcome Kristen! 

Tell us about you!

My name is Kristen and I am the owner of Rustic Romance Crafts. I am a stay at home mom of two boys, 4 and 2. My husband and I have been married for 4 years and together for 9. When I am not busy crafting, I love to go camping with my family, go to the beach, and hang out with my friends. I am addicted to coffee and handmade goods.

Tell us about your shop! 

In January of 2013, I made a New Year's resolution to be more creative. I headed to craft store to see if I could find some inspiration when I found burlap. I had seen burlap banners before and loved the idea of making one. I made a Valentine's Day banner for myself and decided that I would make a few more with the left over material and sell them on my local Facebook garage sale sites. They were a big hit and I started my Facebook page, Rustic Romance Crafts. I continued making banners and eventually branched out into other burlap decor such as wreaths and wedding items. One year after I started my Facebook page, I made my business "official" by opening my shop on Storenvy.  

What is your Favorite thing to make?

My favorite item to make would be burlap banners. There is so much you can do with them! I love getting custom orders and making them personal. I feel like it is something they can keep and remember a special occasion in their lives. 

What is the hardest part or owning your own online business? 

Time management! Being business owner, you wear many hats : designer, creator, marketer, promoter, and accountant. Add mom, wife, house keeper to that list and it can be tough to find time to do it all. I make to-do lists daily and cross things off as I go. Lists keep me sane. LOL

 

  
Do you have any advice to share? 
I would say the hardest lesson I have learned is that your success is not necessarily the same as someone else's. Everyone's definition of success is different and everyone has different goals. Work hard, don't get discouraged, and network with other businesses like yours. I have found amazing communities who have encouraged me, giving me advice and constructive criticism which has really helped me grow.

That is great advice, Kristen! I am so glad you are part of my craft community and your darling shop inspires me all the time. Thank you so much for coming and talking to us today! You can find and follow Kristen at her SHOP | FACEBOOK  | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM  

Make sure to visit her and tell her a crafty 'Hi!' 

♥Kelly

America Proud

This week is one of the holidays I am most proud to be who I am; an American. The heritage of our country is that of brave people who withstood even though the odds were against them.

America started just as a dream to have freedom to live life free, to pursue happiness, and to serve God. They formed a government and nation with blood, sweat, and tears...and many lives laid down to protect it. I am so thankful for the men and women who bravely serve to protect this great nation. I am proud to be an American...I still say it is the greatest nation even if it really is not. America use to be the great world power but I feel that has changed. America is in too much in debt and is not handling its issues wisely. But I am an American and I love my nation! We as a nation need to start standing up, speaking up, and doing what the Americans did of old to make this nation great again. 

Now onto my American inspired creations:

Lady Liberty Lion

Lady Liberty Lion is a proud lion displaying her red, white, and blue colors. She has a beautiful mane of hair that she brushes and puts up with her favorite bow. She is fond of picnics, sparklers, and fireworks! She loves gazing into the night sky looking at the wonderful bursts of color!
She was a joy to make!

Uncle Sam Lion:

Uncle Sam Lion is a patriotic lion! He has a great love for his fellow "man (lions) and country", USA. He prefers to celebrate with a barbeque and fireworks. Uncle Sam wears his stars and stripes with pride and favors his hat as an accessory. 

He caused such pride in my heart for my country while I was stitching him. 

Proud Patty Bunny

Proud Patty Bunny is a proud patriotic bunny who loves showing off her favorite country colors; red, white, and blue. She holds her head high and salutes when the flag is flying high!
This little lady proves that the flag is still flying high!!! I still tear up when I place my hand on my heart to sing  the national anthem and to say the pledge to the American flag.

Stars Baby Bunny and Stripes Baby Bunny

 

Stars Baby Bunny is a pretty girl bunny who loves her stared and striped ears. Her bow keeps her ear out of the way as she sits to watch the family fireworks. Summer is her favorite time of year. 

Stripes Baby Bunny is all boy! He loves playing in his fort in the back yard forest and playing in the local creek. Summer months are by far his favorite time of year. He proudly cares for his stripes like every good bunny should. But his favorite all time thing is helping set up firework displays.

These creation all speak to a part of my patriotic heart. I love the holiday 4th of July. I love celebrating this great nation. And I pray daily for it! May God bless America!

I Pledge Allegience to the Flag