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Thank you!
Love,
Hurd&Honey
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Thursday, December 12, 2013
"Light Gives Hope"
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| Light Gives Hope -> click here to purchase your light |
Yesterday evening I was overcome with this urgency that we need to give, we, as in "Hurd & Honey". You know, it has really only been about six months since we have been able to say that we are sustained by the income we make running our small business...maybe even less time than this. (Praise God!) Earlier in the year I was still full-time teaching as Sam was pushing away at making new products and establishing our garage as a workshop. It's amazing how quickly things can change. But, when you are self-employed you see where every penny goes, and you then see how many of those pennies can be given away, as you really only need so many for yourself.
We feel greatly thankful, and blessed to be able to live this "small-business life".
After doing hours of research I decided that maybe this year would be too short notice to put something together, and give it a go, as far as pulling people together to raise money as a community. And I am known for last minute elaborations, so I decided to back off...and wait...pray...and see if the idea would come together and work.
Then this morning I saw a post on Facebook -> "Backpacks of Hope"
I showed Sam, and we were instantly moved, and now feel called to act.
(thank you Julie)
The "Backpacks of Hope" project is a small part of a larger project known as The 2013 Legacy Project.
This year, being our first charity fundraiser endeavor...we decided to keep it simple. Our goal is to raise enough money to simply purchase two "Backpacks of Hope" -> $200.00.
How will we do this?
Our campaign is called "Light Gives Hope"
December 12th 2013 - December 25th 2013
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| Donate Today |
We are asking you to simply donate $8.00. With your donation you will receive a handmade, reclaimed wood, tea light square, made by us.
You will receive your little square in the mail, and every time you light it, it will be a reminder that you gave hope to these young children in Haiti, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. All of the earnings (minus the cost of shipping) - about $6.50 per square - will go towards purchasing "Backpacks of Hope". Will you give with us?
"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." - Psalm 36:9
Thank you • Shalom • Merci
Hurd&Honey
Thursday, November 28, 2013
A thankful heart
Around this time of year people often ask, "what are you thankful for?". I always find myself stumbling around to find the best answer. Do I get stuck because I haven't spent enough time appreciating the daily blessings, or is it a question that requires more than just a simple response?
This evening we left for our Thanksgiving trip to Kansas (go Hawks!), and I fell into one of those deep-in-thought moments, road trips will do that to you (especially if you are driving in the dark and listening to Don Ross at midnight). I was somehow transported, and a burst of nostalgia flooded my heart. Here is a bit of what whirred through my memory:
Age sixteen, hiking through the Owens valley/Mt. Whitney base with my geology buddies, amazed at how down in the valley was warm and dry, but suddenly we were ankle-deep in snow. When you put a handful of snow-neglected Southern California teens in an unexpected snow patch, they basically turn into five-year-olds at Disneyland.
Age seven, laying down in the backseat of our car with my brother and pressing our bare feet onto the cold windows on the way to Oregon, looking at stars.
Age twelve, camping in the backyard and watching the shadow of our neighbor's cat steal an entire bag of Saltine crackers.
I think The Lord uses these moments to simply make us smile, and in a sense feel gratitude or thankfulness, intuitively.
It makes me wonder, what moments are happening right now that one day we will look back on and feel this same beautiful graciousness for the lives we have been given?
Monday, November 25, 2013
Just a little tealight...
Do you have a wedding to plan, or a small intimate dinner coming up?
Imagine sitting across the table from your most special guests, discussing the day-to-day events, the silliest thing that happened, or even how you've been unbelievably blessed this year. And the tealight is there to cast a warm, delicate glow, adding the perfect touch, and a delightful comfort.
Recently, we added tealight candle trays to our shop, and we decided to get a little crazy and make one that could stretch the length of a standard dinner table.
This one holds 20 standard tealights, and measures approx. 65" in length.
But of course, we could make one to fit your table just right.
And a big thank you to Missy from Beach Blues for the painted mason jars that went perfectly with this photo shoot!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Gift Guide for the Sentimental-Animal Lover
I love this shop! -> Handy Maiden
Doesn't it seem like we prefer the types of gifts that we like to give?
I know this isn't always true, but if you think about the types of gifts you love to give to others, it usually points to which types of gifts you like to receive. The hard part is figuring out what types of gifts other people like to give, in order to know what to get for them. (That was a confusing statement).
I have always loved giving the more surprising gifts, the ones that don't necessarily have a practical purpose, but rather a hidden story. I love gathering items for gift baskets, ones full of random knick knacks and treats. And during Christmas, I love finding interesting and intriguing items for stockings.
Below is a list of interesting sentimental gifts for the animal lover. I know this is probably not the most popular type of gift, but there surely are many out there that would love something from this list.
This penguin is made of 100% stone, and a few pieces of metal. My mom bought him this for me when she was away on a business trip. I find him to be so unique and definitely full of love. You see, I have always had a passion for geology and penguins. This gift is a treasure, and I know one day I'll get to pass it along to someone else that will cherish it. (I wish I had a link for this guy.)
This was another gift, not to me, but I inherited it. It is a hand-carved camel, it comes from Israel. I love the fabric piece as well as the nails that hold the little chain in place. It makes me think about who made this, and all of the love and work that went into every detail. {more hand carved animals}
This bird was the first of my Tonala collection. My mother-in-law gave it to me. I don't think she knew at the time, but it meant so much. This bird can be seen in many of our product listings, it is our best photo prop. I love the colors, and pattern, and the cultural lines that bring me back the Mexican markets - my favorite place to shop. 
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Sometimes you stumble upon the perfect gift when you're not looking for it. My husband and I were shopping around a flea market, and I found another Tonala bird! Not necessarily a practical choice, but definitely the second piece of a new collection. This wasn't a gift from anyone, but rather will one day be a gift to someone who appreciates the intricacy and pattern found on these birds.
On the back there seems to either be a story, or some beautiful symbolic representation. These vintage birds can be found on Etsy.
This is "Foxie" - I won it in a giveaway a few months back. Kate at Woodland Tale makes these little softies by hand all the way in Ukraine! I remember how exciting it was to open up my first piece of mail from Ukraine, and inside was this sweet little fox.
Full of personality!
Olga from Wassupbrothers makes these plush owls by hand. Each one is a unique one-of-a-kind creation. I love her work, and hope to one day purchase one of her little creatures.
This giraffe is awesome, and it's actually taller than it looks in the photo (about 14"). At our last craft fair I purchased it, and still don't know whom I will be giving it to. But the couple that sells these have partnered with an orphanage in Kenya and the women there hand felt these dolls. It is a beautiful story.
Visit their Etsy shop and perhaps they will have some available. One Little World
I love this little elephant! Hand made from clay by a little shop called "Efi Warsh" in Israel. This was my very first Etsy purchase, and it sits by my kitchen widow next to my Talavera cups.
These little Sea Elves are so cute! They have a great variety of patterns and colors - visit their shop -> Sea Elves
Another awesome choice for the sentimental animal lover! Visit Mount Royal Mint.
This is one of my most favorite Etsy shops -> Two Sad Donkeys.
Their dolls have the cutest little expressions.
Buby Noa makes the best cuddly plush stuffed animals - great gifts for the little ones.
And last, but not least. Le Animalé. This is secretly my favorite shop on Etsy (well, one of them). She has a studio in North Carolina where she makes all of her little totems by hand. I love her color choice, and her variety of the most uncommon creatures. Also, each creature comes with a little card that tells you what characteristics it beholds: this narwhal is high in exploration, adventure, and protection. Such a creative idea!
So if you're gifting for the sentimental-animal lover, there was a short and sweet list of options, and I don't think any of these will disappoint.
By the way, if you happen to be in Mexico any time soon. Look for these little wood bobble creatures (pictured below). They are the best accessory near a window - you can watch them dance!
Who in your life is the more sentimental type, the someone who is more likely to be a collector, or a lover of little trinkets and treasures? This is the person that you will have to hunt down in an antique store, the one you'll have to keep away from her grandmother's attic.
Gift ideas for him? -> FOR HIM
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
White Christmas Coupons
Hello Fans, Followers, Friends, and Family!
The holiday season is fast approaching, and in The Honey Shack, it has already begun! We have had an amazing year growing our small business, and recently met our sales goal for the year! To celebrate with all of you, we wanted to offer some great coupons that can be used during the holiday season.
Please feel free to share these coupons with family and friends!
Each day, beginning November 13th, we will offer a new coupon that will run for 24 hours. Check back daily for the newest coupon!
Hurd & Honey - DATES to REMEMBER
Coupons Coupons Coupons!!!
Today's Coupon
November 13th, 2013
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November 13th Only ->
Purchase Any Two Mason Jar Soap Dispensers - Receive One 8 Ounce Dispenser FREE with your order! Click HERE for more details!
Coupon Code -> NOVEMBER13
Begins - 12:00 AM November 13th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 14th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 14th Only ->
Free shipping when you spend $75.00 or more! Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 14th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 15th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 15th Only ->
Buy one get one free - mason jar dispenser attachments! Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 15th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 16th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 16th Only ->
With any purchase of $25.00 - receive a complimentary tea light tray (your tray will hold two or three tea lights - limited stock). Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 16th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 17th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 17th Only ->
Free shipping on all ledge chalkboards (Domestic Only). Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 17th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 18th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 18th Only ->
Save 20% on all mirror purchases! Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 18th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 19th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 19th Only ->
Free mason jar soap dispenser with purchase of any chalkboard. Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 19th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 20th
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 20th Only ->
All "Emily" jar sets - 50% off!
Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 20th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 21st
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 21st Only ->
Save 20% on all tables! Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 21st
Ends - 12: AM November 22nd
{Eastern Standard Time}
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November 23rd Only ->
Free Shipping on all 12 Ounce Mason Jars! Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 23rd
Ends - 12:00 AM November 24th
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November 24th Only ->
With any mirror purchase, receive a free 12 ounce mason jar. Click here for details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 24th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 25th
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November 25th Only ->
With any purchase over $40.00 we will mail a free mason jar soap dispenser to a friend or family member. We can gift wrap for you and include a note from you. Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 25th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 26th
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November 26th - 28th Only ->
Buy any two mason jar dispensers get one 16 or 12 ounce jar free. This jar will be included in your package. Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 26th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 29th
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November 29th Only ->
Free Shipping on orders over $60.00. Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 29th
Ends - 12:00 AM November 30th
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November 30th - December 2nd Only ->
Save 20% on any purchase. Click here for more details.
Begins - 12:00 AM November 30th
Ends - 12:00 AM December 3rd
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December 3rd Only ->
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December 4th Only ->
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December 5th Only ->
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December 6th Only ->
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December 7th Only ->
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December 8th Only ->
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December 9th Only ->
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December 10th Only ->
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December 11th Only ->
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December 12th Only ->
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December 13th Only ->
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Craft Fair Psychology
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| A bit about the uniqueness of each product may spark gift ideas! |
The Happy Hollydays Bazaar is just around the corner! November 7th and 8th. We participated last year, really enjoyed our experience, and decided at the last minute to dive in again this year. Why the last minute? Well, craft fairs, despite the cute little booth with a pair of smiling vendors, are a lot of work! Come Thursday evening next week we will be over-caffeinated and navigating our way through pathetic arguments, and will go to bed around 3:00 AM Friday morning.
(And this year we will have our dear friends from Degno di Nota right next to us!)
{Last year I created a list of things to bring; it may be helpful to you if you are a craft fair person yourself.}
Today I wanted to share about "Craft Fair Psychology". I find myself often psychoanalyzing customers. I am sure pretending to be a psychologist and a statistician come into play for anyone that sells a product. Does a psychostatistician exist?
{Daily I am coming up with formulas that help us measure growth and production, like dollars earned/customer view. It's actually really fun!}
Here is what we learned last year, and what we will be changing (based on our consumer psychostatistics)...
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| U-Shape Booth - This is what we will do this year... |
Last year our booth prevented customers from moving about, and they questioned what was for sale. We needed a space to sit/receive payment, and this became exhausting and difficult when there was a rush of customers.
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| Last Year |
2. Pricing
Last year instead of price tags on individual items, we used small signs. This year we will tag all the items. We thought that having price tags might seem tacky or impersonal, well it backfired. Even though we had prices printed out near the products, the customers still asked. It's like anywhere you go, you always check the price, and usually do what you can to avoid asking someone in a store.
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| Prices are written on the little cards... |
3. Options to Buy
This year we will bring a variety of options for customers, and a variety of price points. Customers like to search about, touch products, and compare prices. They also respond well to a sense of urgency (maybe?). At craft fairs if it's too easy to "come back later" they usually will disappear. If we limit quantity of each option, and have a variety (price and selection), the urgency to buy will be greater.
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| We will have a limited collection of vintage one-of-kind dispensers. |
4. Marketing/Informational "Stuff"
Last year we created all of these various informational cards for customers. In the moment of taking payment, talking to a customer, packaging, you really forget so much. So this year we decided that have all of our marketing info already attached to the merchandise.
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| Business card and Information card - already attached |
5. Packaging
Customers are drawn to pretty and creative packaging, and we are drawn to the easiest and most cost-efficient options, that also tie in to our brand/aesthetic. We are still problem solving how to package our large items beautifully and efficiently, but as for the jars, this is about as easy as we could make it.
We don't know how things will turn out at the HHB; we do know where our trust is seeded, and this freedom allows us to simply enjoy the two days of Christmas music and holiday shoppers.
In reality, we wish we could control sales but we must trust vulnerably and respond with grace.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov. 3:5&6