Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Reality Check . . .


Life is messy sometimes.  Although you typically see photos of my studio with a clean desk, swept floor and "everything in it's place" facade the truth is that is often not the case.  Same with the house in general.  Although the dining room may be clean and decorated, you don't see the door closed behind it leading to the guest bedroom with the paper shades (still after a year), dresser with one changed drawer pull, dead plant, and broken frame waiting to be fixed.

Struggling a bit today with the balance of it all.  I have so many interests, so many relationships, so many responsibilities pulling me in every direction that I just don't feel like I do anything "well" (sound familiar)? 

In having said that, I really began to recognize that my presence on the Mercantile site had been lacking for a few months.  In theory, I didn't go anywhere, but I found myself just going through the motions.  I was putting together the kits, creating projects - but with less heart than I used to have.  But that has changed as of late. . .
You may have already noticed the beginning of some changes (mostly thanks to my wonderful team)!  Site cleanup (with more to come), new easy-to-use message board, member benefits, new kits, new finds (consistently) and a new focus on the content of the kits with a more varied presence of the industries coolest companies.  We have also introduced videos (with some exciting introductions in the next few months) as well as kits designed by our award winning design team.  In the next couple of months you will also see new and exciting exclusives and a new kit structure that will bring more focus back to traditional scrapbookers while continuing to up our offerings of vintage finds and kits for "lifestyle" crafters.  I can also tell you that in the past month I have been beating the pavement (and the internet) and have assembled the largest and most unique inventory I have ever had of vintage and antique crafting supplies with a long list of exciting projects planned.  I am so excited and I hope you are too!  There has NEVER been a better time to be a part of our community.  I am thankful for each and every one of you and I promise not to let you down.  I hope you come along for the ride!


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14 comments:

Carol W. said...

Gosh when I started reading this I did a double take, this sounds like my life right now. Hope it all starts running smoother soon. Looking forward to the new items and changes! TFS

erin said...

yes, life sure can be messy! thank you for sharing, you're so not alone!

Stephanie Howell said...

i know how it feels to be overwhelmed and pulled in a million different directions. you are handling it with grace, as always. xxo

Anonymous said...

Jenni, U never let us down. I'm not sure how ur even standing up after building house, travel teaching, antiquing, kitting, etc. We appreciate U.
And about the mess--LOL--that's most of the fun.
Craft-tastrophe

kim c said...

Life is messy and crazy, fo sho. And I'm definitely no Martha Stewart. Can't wait to see what's around the bend.

April said...

Thank you for being transparent! I was seriously beginning to wonder if I was the only one who felt this way and had a craft room that should have a "condemned" sign on it most of the time. I feel every word you said. We all seem to be pulled in many directions. All of us appreciate your eye, your heart and your creativity for vintage crafting and appreciate all you bring to us & look forward to more BUT PLEASE ALWAYS put your family first.

Kim in the ATL said...

yepper - I'm along for the ride!
always xoxo

Anonymous said...

I've never been disappointed. And as of late I'm drawn more and more to your products and your style. I feel like there is a kindred spirit between us and you know exactly what I love and need in crafting and creativity. I can hardly wait to see just what else you will come up with. You, your family and team are amazing. Love it all....Take care.
Louise

Anonymous said...

Jenni,
You are a marvel and should pat yourself on the back. Being a mom of two and having your ever growing business is I'm sure a constant challenge.
I look forward to seeing you at Inspire.
Smiles, Andra

Amy said...

What a great post, Jenni. Many of us know that feeling and always feel the pull between our art and our reality, but you continue to demonstrate that they live together, if even in chaotic harmony! So happy to see all the new happenings at JBS - looking forward to what's to come!

Anonymous said...

Jenni-I know exactly what you mean..life is too busy...I appreciate all of your effort and hard work...you continue to be an inspiration....thank you for sharing...Cheryl

Anonymous said...

hey...how'd you get a pic of my crafting table? lol! nice to know you are just like "us." :) looking forward to what's to come...as always!
xoxo

Berta said...

That looks like my desk!!!!! Can't wait to see what new is coming!!!

Karen B. said...

How incredibly reassuring! Seeing your crafting space made me feel so much better. Even though I'm not juggling 1/2 of the responsibilities you have, it's good to know that every room in your house is not impeccably neat and that you, too, feel overwhelmed at times, and pulled in too many directions. I've never been disappointed, but nonetheless am looking forward to the exciting things you noted are coming - more of a great thing! Your creativity, impeccable taste and grace are in inspiration to the rest of us. Am enjoying your increased frequency of blog posting, and am delighted to be starting your Big Picture class today (re-taking again). Thanks for all you do.