The Big Fundraiser

I'm getting ready for our "Big" Fundraiser!  Last year we raised money for sewing micro-loans around the world with our Dream Big silkscreen design!  This year we are focusing on two great groups to raise money for.

The first is a non profit called "The Pajama Program."  When I first read about this group, I felt compelled to do something!  I urge you to watch this short video (even Oprah recognizes its importance!) by clicking the video below.  How can we NOT help?!!

This year, I found the amazing paper cuts by artist Suzy Taylor, and immediately knew her peacock image had to be part of this important fundraiser!  I created the Love Big image with it, and I LOVE it!! :)

So since I have two designs this year, I figured I could be twice as generous!  :)

So I'll also be sending funds to the Team Ashley fundraiser, to help offset some of Ashley of Lil Blue Boo's medical bills.  Her recent struggle with cancer, and her message to Choose Joy certainly helps me put my own life in perspective.

I was lucky enough to meet Ashley years ago (before either of us had a business!) on a play date when we lived only a few miles away from another.  She instantly became a crafting inspiration to me, and we became fast friends.  Neither of us like to talk on the phone much, so we would literally send each other about 50 emails each day ;)  A lot has changed over the last few years for both of us.  I am not the least bit surprised at what she has created with Lil Blue Boo.  I knew it right from the start that she was onto something very special.  Now, she touches lives every day.  Teaching creativity and joy.  What's not to love?!

A lot of people ask me if she's "REALLY" like that in real life.  The answer is absolutely, undoubtedly "YES!"  She really is.  :)  Granted, it's a good thing her life is a blog and not a television or radio show, since, you know, she doesn't like to talk much ;)  But she truly is the person you read about on her blog.  And now the world is lucky enough to meet her and consider her a friend and inspiration too. Yay everyone!! :)

So, starting Friday, February 24th, I'll be listing a bunch of "Love Big" and "Dream Big" items in my Big Cartel Shop.  The plan is to give 90% of each sale away!  YUP!  90%!  That means 45% of every sale will go to the Pajama Program, and 45% will go to Team Ashley!  I keep 10% just to cover some costs, but truly, I couldn't think of a better way to close my business than with giving away a bunch of money to people making a difference in this world! :)

So stay tuned for the previews and the listings.  And save up your money, because YOU are the ones who are doing the best deed of all by supporting handmade, and supporting people who could use a little extra help right now.

xo,
shari

The Impossible Blog Post.......

There's no sugar coating this one.  Not in my mind, and not in words.

The time has come to say goodbye to Soren Lorensen Design.

Sigh.

But we sure did make a fun go of it!  :)  I mean that.  You've helped me create some of the greatest memories of my life!  You pushed me to creative limits I had yet to visit, you laughed with me and had bad days with me, you challenged me to grow and you have become my friends.  You guys ROCK.

So, I guess I have to explain myself a little bit.  The last few months I have done some serious soul searching and totally boring number crunching.   I discovered that my soul was consumed by my work  and my numbers were too crunched!  I stalled, tried a few different tactics, and also developed a line for wholesale distribution only.  But no matter how I put it on paper, SLD just wasn't jiving with my life, and I realize it is the right time for me to say goodbye.

Two years.  Seven hundred and thirty days.  Not a single one passed where SLD was not on my mind and part of my day.  And I say that in a good way.  :)  I love SLD!  It's so fun.  I get to be creative, play with color, and dress your adorable kiddos!

So thank you for all the great fun you've provided me!

Oh, the plans?  Well, I haven't determined it yet.  But the Two Year Anniversary "BIG" Fundraiser is still being planned for the week of Feb 24th, and I want to raise a lot of money for some special causes.  I'll fill you in on those details soon, but it should be fun.  I think the shop will be closing sometime in March, but I'll continue to update you on the decisions as I make them.  I'm random like that ;)

So thanks for sticking with me, supporting me, and being such good people.  I've learned a lot from some of you, and you've made me a better person.

xo,
shari