Thank You 2013!

The year is winding down, I, literally, have hours left in my 2013. It has been such a joyous year!
I had dreamed of Petula Poppy for a while but she really got underway less than a year ago.

I worked very hard to get my online store up and running and I researched a lot of avenues to take. I am really happy with Volusion and the support I get there.

After all, we all need help with something.  I know I could not have done it alone. I also appreciated the graphics help I got from my friend Siri. Check out her jewelry on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/siriousdesign

I also had such a tremendously good time meeting and finding such creative artists.  They are all so dedicated to their crafts and each piece I have chosen for Petulapoppy.com has passed my tests!

What are my tests?
1. Is the Artist honest about their item being "handmade." I remember when I met Elizabeth Ngo (the creator of the amazing vintage button jewelry, see one of her bracelets below) and I saw her hands and I saw not just the hard work she puts into her pieces but her love for her craft.

2. Is the item made in the US. - Some people think I cannot tell. Ha!

3. Is the item quality and created with integrity.  I have yet to be unsatisfied with any of my artists.  When you love what you do you love what you create.

4. Is the customer service good.  I am a firm believer in GOOD customer service so I look for that in my artists as well.  It reflects their sense of pride and again passion in their art.

I am also so very thankful for my family and friends who supported me each and every step.

May 2014 be wonderful for you and yours,
Petula Poppy
(AKA - Jane Forrester)

http://www.petulapoppy.com/Vintage-Button-Bracelet-p/bnb07.htm

SALE!!!!!

www.petulapoppy.com

Treats, Treats, Treats

The holidays are HERE!!!!

I love the lights, the trees, the spirit . . . the COOKIES!

Petula Poppy is all about Handmade items and sweet treats are fun to make and FUN to share.

This blog is terrific. I have tried her recipes before and they have all been delish.  This year she is sharing 12 recipes in 12 days.

http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/12/day-1-of-12-days-of-christmas-cookies.html

Four ingredients to create a super sweet Holiday treat!

http://momsneedtoknow.com/peppermint-oreo-cookie-balls-christmas-cookie-recipe/

Cookies  created with Andes mints?! Shut the front door!

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/04/andes-mint-cookies-recipe.html?showComment=1323739192245

So creative! I had never thought of this!

Happy Baking Friends! Let me know if you try any of these.  

Petula

Thanks For Giving

Thanksgiving

Thanks Giving

Thanks For Giving

I am thankful for so much this year.  The usual suspects top my list; my kids, my family, my friends, my health, the delicious food on my table.

I often say that I do not love to cook but I love those I cook for. This is the truth.  But, I have always been thankful for the simple fact that there is food for my loved ones and me.

This time of year brings to light and reminds us that there are many people out there who fight every day to get food to the table.

I have supported this organization for quite a while now.

http://feedingamerica.org

"Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Our mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger."


Please take a moment to go to their website and make a donation.

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,
Petula

Art to Wear

I found Robin on a wholesale site that is no longer in existence. It was a chance crossing because I cannot even remember how I got to that site in the first place.

She makes "Treasures for the Modern Nomad." Each of her pieces are amazing and beautiful. Made from Repurposed upcycled textiles, semiprecious stones and metals, Robin has brought them all together into pieces of art to wear.  

A graduate of UC Berkeley with a Fine Arts degree, she worked first as a graphic designer before dedicating her talents to this unique, thoughtful and eco friendly line of jewelry.

http://www.petulapoppy.com/Buddha-Red-Coral-Cuff-p/rs002.htm

http://www.petulapoppy.com/Alabaster-Frog-Cuff-p/rs008.htm

I have such a HUGE respect for all who create art.  I know we can all do it and we do whether it is through a piece of jewelry like Robin or through a lovingly made dinner for the family.

Keep creating and check out all of Robin's Cuffs at Petulapoppy.com!

Cheers,

Petula

Life is a Bowl Full of Roses?

Swap Meets - love them

There seems to be many who claim to be the originators of this spectacle, Albert Lafarge, Russell Carrell, The French, The English and so on. I don't care who created it I was just glad to be there on Sunday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

It was crowded and, as usual, I seem to only go when it is HOT!  I enjoyed every second of it. 

I like to find those special items but I also really enjoy talking to the Vendors.  I learn a lot and I admire how much effort goes into getting a booth set up and sitting there all day. I did that for years myself. It takes some sturdy stock I tell you.

I found some perfect gifts for my Mom for Christmas and an amazing leather cuff with quartz for myself.

But one of my real joys at the Swap Meet is finding all the unique, weird, wonderful and "where would ANYONE put that?" things people have out there to sell and buy.

Don Quixote on a fur covered Donkey - a must for any coffee table

She is pretty but creepy at the same time to me

Pretty sure I look like this in the morning - this piece was about 2 feet tall

Can't even imagine what these two would talk about

And then there was Nixon

So, I cannot wait to go back with my Best Friend (since we were 7). Now, that is something I would never swap.

Best!

Petula

Petula Loves Love Heals

It's Sunday.

A hazy sunny day and I am happily working.

I spent this past week taking pictures, editing and posting all my new Love Heals pieces on Petulapoppy.com.
It is so fun and easy to work with items you love and a company you respect so much.

I discovered this family owned business 3 years ago when I was searching for companies that "Do Good." Google was very helpful.  Anyway, I saw the name and I clicked on the link.

"Love Heals is a socially conscious family business based in Ojai, California that embodies a commitment to spirit, nature and service. The jewelry is handcrafted with the highest quality materials, lending an old world aesthetic and craftsmanship you can feel. For each design sold, 10 trees are planted in Ethiopia - to date that adds up to over 1 million trees.

Adriana Goddard and her children, Gunnar and Elisa, founded Love Heals in 2005 on an organic communal farm with the vision to create a company that gives back to nature and humanity." (Love Heals)

Just beautiful for all the right reasons.

Happy Day Everyone!

Petula