Mission Madness!

In the midst of all of the amazing things going on with Elemenopie Designs, I have another amazing thing in the works.  I have to say that I'm just as excited, if not more excited, about it.  I am going on a mission trip this summer!  I'll be spending two weeks in Guyaya.  There we'll be holding daily Vacation Bible School for about 200 children, and we'll also be doing a nightly crusade.

I have been spending a lot of time on fundraising for the trip.  Total expenses are about $2500, and I've raised almost half of the money needed.  Unfortunately, I'm down to the last month or so to raise money.  So, here's what I'm asking of you....

1.  PRAYERS!!  I am a firm believer that prayer works wonders, and I also believe that all things work together for good for those who love God.  I solicit all prayers on behalf of myself and the mission team.

2.  Fundraising Ideas - I'd like to think beyond the usual car washes and bake sales.  I have been trying to figure out how I can use my shop to help earn the money.  Sure, I can dedicate my profit towards the trip, but that hasn't been huge so far.  I've been using profit to buy more ribbon!  ;) 

So, in the comment section, give me some ideas!  God blesses me so much, and I'm looking forward to being able to share that with the people in Guyana.  I just have to figure out the financial aspect so I can get there!  :D  I am open to any and all suggestions!

If anyone feels compelled to donate towards this mission trip - in any amount - feel free to email me for more information.  I'll gladly share details of our work and answer any questions you might have!

Elemenopie Designs --- the name --- (oh, and a special announcement!)

I have really revamped myself on Etsy, putting lots more time and energy into really becoming a part of the Etsy community and getting to know people.  I have met so many amazingly talented people.  I constantly have to remind myself that I am there to sell MY stuff because I just want to buy, buy, buy!!!

Over the last couple of weeks, I keep hearing the same thing over and over...."I love your shop name!!" or "You have the cutest shop name ever!"  First of all, thank you!  I personally love it.....sure, I like it because it's cute, but I LOVE it because of what it represents to me.  So, I decided to share how I came up with that name.

2 years ago, I decided to create a business to sell my creations. It started with handpainted wall art and gradually shifted to include bow holders and hairbows.  And if my girls have anything to do with it, we're going to be adding crocheted items before long!  :)

Anyways, speaking of my girls, I was telling you about my shop name.  When I decided to set up a shop, it had to have a name....and I wanted something catchy and fitting, but I also wanted something that was meaningful.  Because my 2 girls are the inspiration for lots of what I do, I wanted to include them in the name.  Their names are Ellie and Emmalynn (and mine's Nikki), so I started just playing around with stuff.  I was sitting at my desk at work, talking out loud to myself....and I said, "L....M.....N...." and then it just kinda came out..."L  M  N  O  P".......and being the word nerd that I am, it finally became "Elemenopie".

The inspiration behind my creation

My youngest, Ellie, tells me all the time that I spelled it wrong.  She says it looks like "L M N O pie" but I like it just the way it is!

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Now for my exciting announcement:  I was asked to stock a section of a local boutique gift shop with my bows!!!  VLM Designs is opening shop locally, and they have asked me to handle all of their hairbow needs!!  I am VERY excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with these fabulous ladies!  I'll provide info later for locals about this....for now, I have a month to get some inventory made up for them!