Friday, September 11, 2009

~A SWEET PRODUCT FOR COOKIE LOVERS - Giving Wings To Your Dreams~

~ORIGINAL HAND PAINTED ARTWORK~

Have you ever planned on doing something you were excited and passionate about and then found yourself actually putting it off for days and days? How about weeks upon weeks? Umm....do I dare ask~

"HOW ABOUT YEARS?"

Well my fellow Peeps...I sure have! Let me explain...

For years now I've loved to paint roses! As my love for this gorgeous flower has grown, so has my desire to find new ways to market goods that showcase my original artwork. In the back of my head I've had lots of ideas, but sadly I've never taken the time to put them down on paper.

"Working Smarter - Not Harder"

Still the notion of working smarter not harder has never left my mind and the wheels inside my brain have never stopped turning...

Last January I made two "New Year's Resolutions". Even though I NEVER make RESOLUTIONS (for obvious reasons), I was determined to:

#1 - Start a BLOG

and

#2 - Complete two marketable products incorporating my artwork

I PROMISED myself before 2009 came to an end I would reach my goal. By God's grace (and the support of both my family and friends...AND the THUMB of "My Beloved" pressing into my back) I'm making some headway.


~COOKIE CUTTER PACKAGE~

I had a few rules:

1. The finished product had to be inexpensive!
2. It had to be marketable in SWEET Gift Shoppes frequented by WOMEN!
3. The product had to be pleasing to the eye!
4. Easy to assemble.
5. Marketable with other products (like Gift Baskets, etc.).
6. Usable as a 'stand alone' gift.

~LOTS OF MISTAKES WERE MADE~



I began FIRST by making lists! LOTS and LOTS of LISTS. Little by little they were whittled down. Tons of IDEAS were tossed into the garbage!

And then some of the IDEAS that were originally thrown out were dug BACK OUT of the trash...

~ORIGINAL ARTWORK/PACKAGING~

What you see above is both the product and packaging of a very simple Cookie Cutter using my artwork as the backdrop. It's inexpensive (check). Easy to assemble (check). Perfect for specialty stores where girls love to shop (check)! Sweet for gift baskets or as a stand-alone gift (check). And lastly, something I HOPE will be pleasing to the eye! Since the patent for a fold-over card is sewn up, I opted to make the packaging single-sided with a separate insert that includes a Sugar Cookie Recipe (and one for FROSTING)!


~BACK OF PACKAGING~

It's my personal belief that a thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive...just meaningful...and of course, pretty!

The "SWEET TEA" Cookie Cutter was the FIRST of many designs I've finally completed! They will be offered up on my website in the near future and to Specialty Shoppes across the USA in 2010.

And...for those of you who follow me on eBay or have been wondering WHY my Website is STILL DOWN, now you know! And you all only THOUGHT I was taking a sabbatical from creating...

"GOT DREAMS?"

Time's a wastin'.

Blessings to you as you live life to the fullest...Rebecca
PS: To my FOREVER FRIEND, "Sweet Tea"~ These are in HONOR OF YOU and your quiet, constant encouragement for so many years...xo~r

38 comments:

Pat @ My Tattered Elegance said...

I am soooooooo happy for you Rebecca, I think it's wonderful. I know this is going to be a success and a beautiful adventure for you. Many blessing!!
Hugs,
Pat

Candy said...

Your reward...a sweet treat creation. So lovely and so you. May all your dreams come true and blessings over take you. Cheers!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Rebecca!
Honey what a beautiful creation to give a piece of your heart with each purchase. I love the idea so much. It is just precious. You have reached many homes this way. I think we will all be wanting one. I so love your work. You have a beautiful gift to paint, and whatever you touch turns to happiness and sunshine. Thank you so much for everything that you are and for everything that you have brought to my family. I will always love you. Country hugs across the miles. Please stop by and see my Pink Saturday post, it is a fun one. Country hugs sweetie, Sherry

Tanza said...

Ooohhh YIPPEE SKIPPEE to my "forever friend".. How could I NOT Sooo fall in LoVe with these ?! Aaahhh.. you can always find a way to my heart !! These are Sweet !! I will order my ten now !! hahaha.. Why is it that I can NeVer have enough of yours !! Darn, just when I think I have everything you dangle more in front of my lil' nose...I'm jumping for joy for you !! How long have you talked of doing these ?! mmmmm.. it's been a long time girlie friend !! But, oohhh sooo worth the wait !! Thanks for always sharing your talented ways.. Sooo blessed you are !! kay, NOW, get back to work !!
huggers,
~tea~xo

Moments of Grace said...

Rebecca,
What a sweet and precious idea. I look forward to having one of your sweet gift packages in my home.
Blessings to you today.

In Grace,
Marie

Tara said...

How wonderful! Good for you Rebecca for chasing down that dream and conquering it. I think it looks beautiful. I hope all good things come your way!

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

These are so precious. What an inspiriation to all of those that have those ideas rolling around in their heads. Like you, I have some ideas in my mind but for whatever reason they just seem to stay stuck there. Who knows why. I like the idea of making that list. That really makes sense. Maybe when one of my ideas comes to fruition (and it will) I will name it after you!
xxoo, Sue

blushing rose said...

G'morn, Rebecca ~ What a beautiful idea ... another romantic creation!
And in honor of such a sweet woman, Tanza must be flying with such warm friendship ... sweet tribute to T.

Are you working on the tea bag cards next?

You'll be sold out before you can snap your fingers. Lovely gift idea ... You never cease to amaze me!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs of love, TTFN ~ Marydon

Cherished Treasures said...

Congrats !!! Wishing you much success in you venture and hopefully many more to come.
Best wishes, Carol

DeeDee said...

Congrats on setting your resolution and actually completeing it..I am glad you did becasue these are simply lovely..my most favorite thing in the world are roses..I so want to know how to paint them too...yours are so very pretty...eye candy to someone like me...great job

Mary Ann said...

Rebecca,

What a lovely and sweet idea! I love it. I am so happy for you!

Mary Ann

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

How could anything be MORE perfect? Utterly charming and sweet. And, a delish little gift for any gal. And, you're right, girlies LOVE to find perfectly packaged little items. Anything with a cute package it a gazillion times better. I LOVE it!

Congratulations...you are one hard workin' girlie!

Hugs,
Spencer

Anonymous said...

HOW NEAT! HMM, I WONDER, JUST WONDER WHO THEY WERE NAMED AFTER:)I CAN'T WAIT, I WOULD LOVE TO OWN ONE FOR MYSELF. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION. HOPE ALL IS WELL. THINGS ARE OK OVER HERE... LOTS OF EARLY LABOR.. AND TRIPS TO THE E.R.- HEATHER

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful accompolishment for you!! I am so happy for you.
Love,
Marilyn

Brenda said...

What a wonderful idea ! You can be sure I will have to get one of those for myself :) All the best to you in this new venture ~ I know it will be a smashing success!! Have a wonderful weekend! Warmest, Brenda (shabbycatsandroses)

June said...

Sweet Rebecca,
This is just too perfect and I am so delighted that you have seen your goal to fruition. I just know that this will be a hit with all of us 'sweet' lovers. You always inspire me and amaze me and I'm happy to call you friend.
Hugs,
June

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Rebecca, they are so beautiful! I too will order some as soon as they become available... and how special to name them after your beautiful friend Tanza... Bisous... Julie Marie

Vicki said...

Rebecca,
A wonderful idea and the perfect gift for oneself or a dear friend or family member. I am glad you are following your dreams! Vicki

Carol said...

Rebecca, you turned something so sweet and simple into such an elegant concept. I will be dying in anticipation for you to get the little beauties on the market. My "handy-dandy" notebook says I need 12-15. Are you doing any pre-orders? LOL
Blessings from Texas

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Rebecca,
Love this and congrats on getting it finished. This sweet treasure is just the sweetest. I know too well what you mean about creating and getting your ideas to be born. You are an inspiration and I know it is the first of many.
Love, Celestina Marie

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Good for you and Job well Done!!
It looks like a perfect gift.
Happy Weekend.
Deb :)

English Cottage in Georgia said...

What a wonderful idea which has become a reality. I cannot wait to go and make a purchase.
You are so blessed with creativity.

Sandi said...

Rebecca,
For some reason I cannot become a follower. I have tried several times and it goes to and error page that it can't be found. Help please??
Blessings~

Anonymous said...

So,so sweet! Rebecca, you are such an inspiration to me! I have tears in my eyes! ♥ ♥ ♥

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

This is so lovely, Rebecca! I can't wait to see it in shops, and I'll scream with joy when I do! I think you will get many requests for these - women's groups, teas, etc!

Cheryl at Casual Cottage Chic said...

♥ ♥ ♥ Oh, I hope this darling cookie cutter is available soon...a great holiday gift ♥ ♥ ♥

Char said...

Sweet Rebecca, I knew you always had it in you to do something wonderful and fullfil yours dreams. You are on your way, the product is everything you wanted, and I would say more. I hope you have wonderful success with this concept. It's truely you and beautiful too, Char

Beach House 27 said...

Wow - Good Luck - hope you make $$millions$$. I'll be a buyer and I can't wait to see this fab gift in all the great little gift shoppes!

So insipiring -

Marsha

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rebecca! This is wonderful! I'm so proud of you and I know this cookie cutter with your beautiful roses will be a hit!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I'm ready when you are! :) It's so sweet! It's the perfect little gift for so many occassions! I can't wait to get one!
:) You NEVER cease to amaze me, Rebecca!
xxoo Mona
Mona

Simply Debbie said...

Dear Rebecca,
AWESOME!!!!! THANK YOU SWEET JESUS AND THANK YOU T FOR BLESSING Rebecca with such friendship, and encouragement.
Oh Rebecca, you have done it!!! I am so honored to have been blessed by your kindness...you are one of a kind. What an out pouring of God's Blessing is showering you and Steve.
Take a bow sweet lady and get ready to see your heart in every tea parlor and fine gift shop around the world.
I can't wait to have my hands on two...one I will put in a display frame never to use.
Giving Wings To Your Dreams...that will preach...lol
angel hugs
love
Debbie

A Rose Without A Thorn said...

Dear Rebecca, What a beautiful and lovely idea. I know it will be a triumph and all of your hard work will come to fruition, blessings always, Maureen....

Unknown said...

Oh Rebecca!!! It is just perfect, I love it! I would definitely purchase these. Your artwork just makes the product too! Congratulations, I am so happy for you!!!!!
Hugs,
Amy

blushing rose said...

G'morn, Rebecca ~ You know what I love about this creation more than the creation, is that you have named it 'Sweet Tea', just like sweet tea Tanza. She's got to get a kick out of this.

Hope your weekend was a good one, my friend.

Hugs of love, TTFN ~Marydon

cottagepinkperfection said...

What a sweet idea. I love all of the suggestions you have for these. I wish you all the success and blessings from above. You are a very talented lady!

Have a beautiful day!
Marie

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

Stunning, beautiful, amazing do I need to say more.... only that I am so happy for you to be following your dreams Sweet Lady... now I need to do the same..

Lyn xxx

A Southern Rose said...

I'm so excited for you! They are beautiful! I know that you will sell them all! You are such an inspiration to us all!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

So happy for you that even MORE of your special dreams are coming true! This product is beautiful and I'll be in line to purchase some ~ great idea!!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

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