Happy New Year - Make the Best of It!

Neki Naturals Logo in 2010

As the new year begins, I cannot but wonder where did 2010 go? A lot happened and I am so totally grateful for the blessings. My life in 2010 was so different from 2009. It was challenging; it was creative; it was surprising fulfilling.


In January 2010, I decided to start and renew my commitment to my crochet work as a designer and instructor. Yes, starting or running a business is slow. And even more challenging is not seeing the results quickly. Guess what? I have learned so much in the past 12 months.
 I learned about twitter, facebook, blogging and other social networking. I am not a social butterfly but I attended network events and participated in craft shows. All these I was terrified to do and I kept on going.  I learned about ETSY  and Zibbet and how to use it. There are so many other things I learned in starting a business, prioritizing and ensuring first things first - God, Family and work!


What am I saying ?


Step out of comfort zone in 2011!  Do. Learn. Try something new! You just do not know what the future holds. When your heart is pumping so fast, your hands shaking, your knees feel like buckling, do not quit.  Try and push through. It's about you growing. You can only grow by learning and practicing. 
So whether it is sports, needlework,exercising or prioritizing your time, try something different.  I can tell you that I am still fearful of things but I will push through in 2011. When I fail in certain areas which I did in 2010, I will learn my lesson and pick myself back up.


Make you proud of you! Everyday is a choice. Choose Right!


Happy New Year!



Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing my blog family Merry Christmas!
I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy your family, friends.

I have a great year with you and hope to keep doing so next year. Enjoy!


Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

Neki Naturals Now On Zibbet with Inaugural Sale!

I dragged my feet on opening up a store with Zibbet. Even though the Neki Naturals Store @ etsy is doing well, I will like to continue to share my designs and products with more people.

I love to crochet, I love to design crochet items and I love to meet new people. I like the Zibbet community and their store front so I finally loaded in our products yesterday on zibbet.  

To launch our store in zibbet, every item item is 20% off till 12/31/2010.

Please come and check us out http://www.zibbet.com/nekinaturals.


Enjoy!

Express yourself with handmade!

Tip of the day: Wonders of Fabric Glue

One of the things that gives me anxiety is sewing. Sometimes, I just wish someone else can do the sewing of all my crochet pieces. It drives me nuts.

So what's the tip?

As I was finishing up crocheting laptop sleeve, one of my sister's friends who is a fashionista gave me a wonderful idea: She said to use fabric glue for the zippers instead of sewing it . It's cleaner, faster and so much easier for us non sewing artists!


Enjoy!



Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

4 Simple Things to do for Color Inspiration

Sometimes I get stuck in trying to get inspiration on colors to use in different crochet items. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and seek color inspiration  from different places, things and people.


To be color inspired, try the following:

• Visit museums and galleries and look at different paintings and how different colors have been put together.

• Look at the flowers, plants, parks, birds, animals and insects, etc. For me, this fall leaves were a great inspiration to me. I had never paid attention to the fall colors but I was amazed at nature.

• Check out magazines, fabric swatches, paint clips, and cut them and put them in a scrapbook.

• Go back to your scrapbook and review often until certain colors "speak to you".

Enjoy!

Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

Call for Submissions for Neki Naturals Blog Carnival

We are accepting blog submissions for the next edition of Neki Naturals Blog Carnival @ http://blogcarnival.com

Submit your blog to the carnival for review as long it meets the criteria and it will be reviewed. Find out more information at http://blogcarnival.com and search for title "Neki Naturals handmade blog carnival"


Enjoy!


Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. 
Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

MIA Lately!

I have not blogged much in the past  14 days. Between thanksgiving, business trips and hoilday orders, I have neglected my blog:(

I will be back with more goodies next week. Look out for a free ebook offer next week!


Have a great weekend!

Express yourself with handmade! 
 Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals