Skip to content

Creative tithing – giving thanks to the community that supports us

November 19, 2010

love plate by Hideminy - "creative tithing"
love plate by Hideminy

by guest contributor Shrie L. Spangler

There has been a lot said on the interwebz lately about a concept called “creative tithing”. As crafty business owners, we’re often so focused on making that paper and pushing ourselves and our own ideas that we forget to support the community that supports us. As Megan Auman touted in her Crafting an MBA post, “more profit = more to give”. This is an important phrase to grasp, because your crafty endeavor can only grow with the support of people just like you, trying to do the same thing you are… SUCCEED.

How does an independent business become profitable? Well, most importantly, from the money generated by sales. If you’re spending all your time and effort on growing your business but aren’t giving back to that same craft/indie/DIY machine that propels your biz, then you’re missing out on the big picture. Every small indie business owner has the same dream, and these dreams need customers in order to become a reality.

Seems simple right?

Cobblestone Heart Rubber Stamp by normajane - "creative tithing"
cobblestone heart rubber stamp by norajane

Some approach the creative tithing idea in a percentage form, taking 5% or 10% of their crafty earnings to pump back into independent sellers. Others strive to buy handmade for gifts or for themselves, investing in other artist’s creations as other’s invest in yours. By doing this you’re aiding creators in going for their dreams instead of wasting away at the desk job they abhor, and you’re allowing them more flexibility in their personal and creative lives to really work towards fulfilling that work-at-home creative goal. You’re validating the talent of an artist who may not necessarily feel that they’re so talented to begin with (and let’s be honest… don’t we ALL feel that way sometimes?). And in the end, you’re sparking a little bit of creativity in yourself, the whole process coming back full circle.

I Bring Only This by gumball grenade - "creative tithing"
i bring only this by Gumball Grenade

And Tara at Scoutie Girl makes a good point, saying “It’s commitment-meets-good karma-meets-the golden rule-meets-pay it forward all in one.” And it’s not all about money though… it’s about *hearting* other’s shops and works on Etsy, it’s about commenting on people’s blogs when their creations and artistic voice make you take notice. It’s about community and support, and communication, and LOVE. So just because you have a passion to make dog collars, or create custom embroidery pieces, or hang the halls of every house with intricate paper cuts art pieces doesn’t mean that your creative supporters don’t ALSO have a vision. Pour your soul into what you do AND what other people do, participate in a little creative tithing of your own, and you will reap the rewards tenfold.

About the contributor: Shrie L. Spangler is one of the latest Indie Fixx interns. When she’s not doing story research, coordinating projects and coming up with posts, Shrie writes over on her blog, Lo & Behold. She also writes at guerrilla candy and at another rainy saturday. And she’s got her own Etsy Shop. She’s one busy lady.

  • Share/Bookmark

Haiti Fundraiser Donation Made to the Red Cross

February 09, 2010

It’s official! We made over $2,000 in the Haiti Relief Fundraiser…$2028 to be exact. I just made the donation to the Red Cross International Response Fund after waiting for all the funds to come in & to clear Paypal.  In the interest of transparency, you can see my donation verification below—with sensitive info blanked out, of course.

I want to take this time to thank all those who donated prizes as well as all the wonderful folks who bid on them. I’d also like to thank you bloggers who helped me get the word out about the fundraiser. There are really tooooo many to name individually, but you know who you are! Finally, thanks to Khristian A. Howell, who very generously created the fundraiser logo, and to Amy the intern for helping me to coordinate the silent auctions.

I’m so proud of our little community for getting involved and want to encourage you to not forget about future donations to benefit Haiti. The Haitian people are going to need our help for some time.

haitidonation.jpg

  • Share/Bookmark

Haiti Fundraiser Update!

January 31, 2010

Auction update!  I’m just waiting on the last payments to come in from the auction and then I will donate all the funds collected to the Red Cross International Response Fund! Will keep you updated. We raised over $2,000!

  • Share/Bookmark

Haiti Relief Fundraiser Auction Day 10 – Last Day!

January 27, 2010
Today is the last auction benefit the Red Cross International Response Fund!

You can still bid on Day 9 Auction items as well until January 27th at 11:59 pm EST, so let’s make it count! Be sure to visit the Haiti Relief Fundraiser page for all the details about the donaters and the auction particulars.

How does it Work? Each day I will share a new batch of items you can bid on via the comments. You will be able to see everyone’s bids and rebid if you get outbid. The highest bidder will win the item and pledges the amount bid towards the Red Cross International Response Fund. The item will then be sent out in the mail to you from the artist, crafter or designer who donated it.

How to Bid. Leave a comment on this post with the following:

  • your name
  • your email address
  • the item number
  • your bid amount

Keep checking back throughout the day to see if you have been outbid. I will do my best to keep up with moderating comments, so you will be able to see everyone else’s bids. If you are outbid, rebid! You may bid on multiple items, just be prepared to win! The goal is to raise as much money as possible!

earmarkstrength-print_1.jpg

Item # 1 Tree Print w/ Rachel Carson quote from Earmark Invitations

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts” ~ Rachel Carson.  A gorgeous print with a distressed design and a large illustrated tree. It is simple and beautiful and we hope you agree. Print is 8″ x 10″ and is matted in a 11 x 14 double mat with a laid texture. Valued at $20

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 28th at 11:59 pm EST.

sherrytruittil_fullxfull73550170.jpg

Item # 2  Spinning World Necklace from Sherry Truitt

The spinning world is a seasonal diagram found in the front pages of a 1935 world atlas. This is the view of earth called, spring begins. It’s a great piece for new beginnings. The world is forever preserved in domed magnifying resin and is set in a 16mm sterling silver loop bezel and hung by a 1.5mm, 16″ long sterling beaded chain. This necklace is ready to ship in a signature box. Valued at $40

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 28th at 11:59 pm EST.

zajasoap.jpg

Item # 3 Charcoal Soap and Squalane from Zaja Natural

This listing is for 2 sets of 1 charcoal soap and 1 squalane each. There will be 2 winners–the 2 top bidders will each win a set. The charcoal soap is a gentle facial bar that will leave your skin feeling smooth and thoroughly cleansed without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Perfect for all skin types. The squalane  is a clear, odorless and colorless oil of very low polarity that is perfect for moisturizing your skin. Squalane is believed to boost the skin’s ability to naturally regenerate, nourish, hydrate, oxygenate and protect itself. Valued at $33.50

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 28th at 11:59 pm EST.

playswithmuddsc_0034.jpg

Item # 4 – Vase from Plays with Mud

Sweet little rustic-inspired vase, perfect for pencils or flowers.  Approximately 4″ tall and 3.5″ in diameter.  The glaze breaks along the text, making the variation and design of this vase completely unique.  The text reads “you make the world a brighter place”, because you’re making the world brighter by participating in this auction. Valued at $15

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 28th at 11:59 pm EST.

  • Share/Bookmark

Haiti Relief Fundraiser Auction Day 9

January 26, 2010
Today is the 2nd to last silent auction to benefit Haiti, so let’s make it count for the Red Cross International Response Fund.

You can still bid on Day 8 Auction items as well until January 26th at 11:59 pm EST.  All the goods have been donated by generous crafters, designers & artists. Be sure to visit the Haiti Relief Fundraiser page for all the details about the donaters and the auction particulars.

How does it Work? Each day I will share a new batch of items you can bid on via the comments. You will be able to see everyone’s bids and rebid if you get outbid. The highest bidder will win the item and pledges the amount bid towards the Red Cross International Response Fund. The item will then be sent out in the mail to you from the artist, crafter or designer who donated it.

How to Bid. Leave a comment on this post with the following:

  • your name
  • your email address
  • the item number
  • your bid amount

Keep checking back throughout the day to see if you have been outbid. I will do my best to keep up with moderating comments, so you will be able to see everyone else’s bids. If you are outbid, rebid! You may bid on multiple items, just be prepared to win! The goal is to raise as much money as possible!

**** Also, please note that I will be away until later this afternoon and will not be able to moderate bids until my return. Check back after about 3 or 4 pm EST and I should have all the bids up from earlier in the day.

nitcail_fullxfull110925954.jpg

Item # 1 – 2 Loop Scarves from Nitca

This listing is for 2 loop scarves in your choice of colors. Create your own style with this stylish, quality, all cotton necklace scarves. Choose 2 scarves from the colors shown above on the right. They are long, skinny, colorful and extremely soft. Knitted with super soft cotton yarn. You can wear only one, but the real fun is to play with combination of colors. Choose your colors, choose your mood. Wear as many as you want, make yourself unique and upgrade your look.You can wear it long or to wrap it around your neck few times it is flexible enough. The length will be between 90cm-115cm. Valued at $40

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 27th at 11:59 pm EST.

15cloveil_fullxfull65250760.jpg

Item # 2 – Fluttering Feather Necklace from 15 Clove Studio

This 14K gold-filled fluttering feather is suspended from each end on a delicate 16″ beaded chain (all components are 14K gold-fill). Feather measures approx 1.5″ across. Valued at $49

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 27th at 11:59 pm EST.

unconventionalidaimg588.jpg

Item # 3 – She Longed for Spring Original from Unconventional Ida

Own this original lovely and melancholy work of of art.  Ink and colored pencil on wood panel, measures 4×6 inches. Sides are painted black, and there is a small hole drilled in back for hanging. Signed, dated and titled (on back).
Valued at $65

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 27th at 11:59 pm EST.

centralil_fullxfull112365446.jpg

Item # 4 – Winner’s Choice Tee Shirt (5 winners) from Dark Cycle Clothing

Five winners will have their choice of any tee shirt design in any size from Dark Cycle Clothing. The top five highest bidders will win this auction. Each winner will receive their choice of tee design at the auction close. Great for girls and guys!  Each tee is valued at $18

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 27th at 11:59 pm EST.

  • Share/Bookmark

Haiti Relief Fundraiser Auction Day 8

January 25, 2010

Hope you had a great weekend.  I painted all weekend long, but now it’s time to get back to raising money for the people of Haiti. So far, after 7 auctions, we’ve raised $1521!  That’s amazing!  There’s 

only 3 more auctions to go, but let’s try to raise at least another $1,000 for the Red Cross International Response Fund.  Are you with me?  Remember, all the goods have been donated by generous crafters, designers & artists. Be sure to visit the Haiti Relief Fundraiser page for all the details about the donaters and the auction particulars.

How does it Work? Each day I will share a new batch of items you can bid on via the comments. You will be able to see everyone’s bids and rebid if you get outbid. The highest bidder will win the item and pledges the amount bid towards the Red Cross International Response Fund. The item will then be sent out in the mail to you from the artist, crafter or designer who donated it.

How to Bid. Leave a comment on this post with the following:

  • your name
  • your email address
  • the item number
  • your bid amount

Keep checking back throughout the day to see if you have been outbid. I will do my best to keep up with moderating comments, so you will be able to see everyone else’s bids. If you are outbid, rebid! You may bid on multiple items, just be prepared to win! The goal is to raise as much money as possible!

moopmb_blue_wal.jpg

Item # 1 – Market Bag from Moop

The Market Bag is made of Provincial Blue corded canvas and lined in light gray twill. Corded canvas is slightly distressed and very durable while still being soft. It does not have a nap to it, it’s smooth and the cords lie pretty flat…which is pretty awesome! On the inside you’ll find uber organization with 3 pouch pockets (2 – approx. 5″x6″, 1 cell phone sized – approx. 3 1/4″ × 4 1/4″), one pencil slip, one large 14 inch by 7 inch zipper pocket and 2 d-rings for keys and phones and pouches. It’s a pretty big bag for carrying big pretty things (laptops, books, diapers, bottles, ipods, more books). The Market Bag comes an adjustable strap. Approx. Dimensions: 13” across the top, 14” deep, 19” across the bottom.  The adjustable strap varies from approx. 33″ (end to end) when fully extended to approx. 17″ (end to end) at its shortest. Valued at $93

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 26th at 11:59 pm EST.

leavesofglassil_fullxfull105627705.jpg

Item # 2 – Talisman Earrings from Leaves of Glass

Vintage Glass, Vintage Metal, Bright and Oxidized Sterling Silver Earrings. Asymmetrical design of a very long, delicate and dangly arrangement of  vintage beads, these earrings feature a mix of blues and yellows in a woodland bird-nest-feather theme. Vintage Japanese spiderweb glass beads in periwinkle and lemon are accented with tiny bright sterling silver fetish birds, and anchor trailing lengths of oxidized sterling silver chain. Vintage metal pendants in blue and yellow, reminiscent of feathers, flutter at various lengths, complementing two tiny glass beads in icy blue and lemon yellow. Finished with oxidized sterling silver French hooks. Large yellow bead is 5/8″ wide, smaller blue spiderweb bead is 3/8″ across, birds are 3/4″ from beak to tail, metal pendants are 1″ long; long earring hangs 5″ long from top of hook to bottom of lowest pendant, and shorter earring hangs 4″ long from top of hook to bottom of pendant. Valued at $54

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 26th at 11:59 pm EST.

irenemg_1359.jpg

Item # 3 – Looking for Love Photographic Print from Irene Suchocki

This stunning and ethereal photograph is printed by a professional photo lab on premium acid-free, archival paper, which has a matte finish and will last a lifetime. It will be signed by the artist and shipped in sturdy, moisture-resistant packaging. 8×10.  Valued at $30

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 26th at 11:59 pm EST.

snapdragoncleopatra-brooch.jpg

Item # 4 - Cleopatra brooch from Snapdragonbeads

The Cleopatra brooch features a handmade beaded motif, in gold, copper and sea-blue and measures 30mm across. Pin it to a top, bag or hat.  Valued at $24.15

Bid on it and make it yours! The bidding period for this item will close January, 26th at 11:59 pm EST.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
  • Share/Bookmark