Oh my word. My online shop sold out of just about everything, so I spent most of the day packing up orders. I need to figure out how to set up a more efficient workflow. I ended up going up and down steps for each order, so it was my workout as well. Multitasking at its finest.
The guy at the post office was thrilled, as you can imagine, when I showed up with over 30 packages to mail. Like I said, I need to get more efficient and my husband’s going to help me with that come January.
I was planning to list more ironstone today, but my stash of boxes, bubble wrap and shrink wrap were pretty much wiped out, so I need to replenish my supplies before I list more.
While I sent a lot of packages out into the world today, I received some as well. I love presents, so I am definitely in the right line of work! I received three today! I have met some of the sweetest, most generous people through the blog world.
Jeanne Oliver sent me a beautiful gray scarf and this incredible bag…
I felt a little naughty opening the presents…like maybe I should have waited for Christmas. Okay. I’m over it.
It’s the Emerson Handbag from her line. I have so much respect for her as a designer and entrepreneur and I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her as a friend this year. We met for coffee when she was in my neck of the woods and it was like getting together with an old friend. We talked. The kind of talk of substance that encourages and challenges you. I was sorry we had to say goodbye and that we live so far apart.
The second thing I received was a set of four stockings made for me by Kim Jackson. She sent me an e-mail a few days ago and said she would like to make my family some custom stockings out of blue and white ticking. I couldn’t believe how fast I received them and they are beautiful.
She embroidered each of them with our names and the precision and attention to detail puts my sewing to shame. I was really humbled that a “stranger” to me would send such a lovely gift and she didn’t ask for anything in return.
I received a third gift, but I ran out of light and will take pictures tomorrow.
Since I spent most of the day on packing up orders, I didn’t have much time for projects, but I did manage to get the trim on the French daybed and I made the cushion cover this evening while the boys were at Awana.
The trim really finishes off the piece and the buffalo check looks great in the room. I’ll get some pictures of it tomorrow as well.
Lastly, I am going to sell some more stuff from my house. I am finding that getting rid of things is very liberating!
So, next up for sale is an antique needle point chair that didn’t sell at Lucketts last spring, so I kept it. This chair is just too pretty for me to slipcover or reupholster, so I’m going to sell it. A woman bought the matching one at Lucketts, but I lost her information. Hopefully she’ll see this, but I’d like to sell it either way. The price is $225 and it’s in fantastic condition.
I’m also selling the six matching oval cane back French chairs from my aunt Susan. I ended up working with the antique ones I had and these are just hanging out in the basement, which is a waste. They are not antiques, but reproductions. Because of that, they are more generous in size and they are sturdy, in great condition ( just a few scratches from wear) and all of the cane seats and backs are fully intact. I’m asking $500 for the set of six chairs.
You have to be able to pick these up near Gettysburg, PA. Just send me an e-mail if you’re interested!
I can’t see the pic of the chairs , I will try again tomorrow
Gotta love modern chairs made for modern hineys (sp?). I’ve got vintage mahogany chairs with a carved rose back that are not (sigh). But I love them anyway.
That’s a steal of a deal for those chairs. I wish I lived near there.
Ps. Awana night is when I get the most done too.
What is Awana night?
Congratulations on the success of your shop, it is well deserved. So happy for you. Kim did a beautiful job with the stockings I wonder if she has an etsy shop?
I do have an etsy shop that is just getting started. The stockings are not out there yet but please feel free to email me at kgjackson6@aol.com
Marian, I’d love the French needlepoint chair. Can you ship it to me in Miami?please let me know ASAP.f I have a gray hound depot right near me if you can send it that way insures it costs much less than freight.
Once you get your groove on with the shipping, I’m sure printing postage online (it’s cheaper) and having the mail carrier pick up your packages from your house (it’s a free service) will save you time and money!
This was my thought as well! Printing postage online and using the (free!) Priority Mail boxes save me so much time. Then I just drop off at the post office without waiting in those long lines.
YES… printing online is so much easier, not to mention slightly cheaper. Also you can have any of the companies pick up, most are free… with the amount you are posting would be so much better! IF you don’t already PayPal has great payment and postage online aides… costs a little to accept pmts but well worth it in convenience! I prefer USPS for most of my shipping… as another noted FREE boxes of all sizes and they will pick up free too…
I tried to order from your store but accidentally ordered two instead of one and could not find a way to take the second one off, went back later but all was sold 🙁 is there a way to fix this mistake when ordering?
I am interested in the 6 cane back chairs. I sent an email. Thanks!
Can you provide the site for your online store? Thanks.
I love reading your blog. I just realized we are neighbors! I’m in Harrisburg. Anyways, love your blog! Have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
How did I miss all the ironstone?! I’ll be sure to watch when you restock your shop so I can get some for my collection!
I am interested in the cane back chairs but I am not able to see them. Will look forward to a picture! Thank you!
Would love to email with you about these 6 chairs but I don’t see an email listed. I am quite interested.
That is a great deal on the 6 chairs. Wish I wasn’t Christmas poor (who isn’t). The Buffalo looks crazy good. Can’t wait to see it finished.
I would set up a shipping table in the basement and have family help carry up the night before USPS pickup. By the way, I love your little black typewriter, if you decide to see it, please let me know…..
Hi!! I love your blog so much!! Your decorating taste is beautiful!!
I love your dining room table, can I ask you where did you buy it??
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Would you please share your source for buying buffalo check fabric? Thanks in advance!!
Love that needlepoint chair! Too bad I live far away from you…
As for the packages and going to the post office, Marian, does your local post office offer carrier pickup? You can print postage at home, and have your carrier pick up the packages when (s)he delivers mail in your area. Also, if you print postage at home, you will receive discounted rates. You can do it through Stamps.com and, if you don’t like them (I don’t – I had issues with them in the past), USPS.com offers a service called “click ‘n’ ship,” where you can purchase postage at their website (at a slightly discounted rate for that matter), and print labels at home. Of course, you would need a postage scale, but those can be obtained fairly inexpensively. So, even if carrier pickup is not available in your area, at least you will be ready with all the postage in place when you go to the PO. They will just have to scan packages on acceptance.
Crazy girl that I am, when I read Kim made you stockings I was thinking of stockings to wear. Oh gosh what does that say about me? Don’t answer. Everything looks great!!
I’ve been dying for those chairs. Please let me know if they end up still available:)
From one cheapskate to another:
I see you have an antique kitchen scale much like the one I got from my grandmother. Mine works great for weighing packages! I use a little Braun kitchen scale that goes up to only 2 pounds for weighing lightweight things.
how do I find your items for sale? Do they only
appear in the newsletter; is their a website for
the online store?
Love your home & ideas.
Hi Marian,
I am unable to link to the handbag and stockings you posted today. Are the links correct? This is the first time. Thank you.
OK… perhaps I slept thru a blog (but I read everyday) so where does a MMS follower find your online sale information??? This could be dangerous but I’d certainly like to see what you have for sale… or what you have left.
Thanks much!!
I just love everything about Miss Mustard Seed…enjoy reading your blog.daily. Just wanted to let you know that you can schedule a pick up at your house on a daily basis from the USPS. Just go to USPS and pull up schedule a pick up….that way you don’t have to heft 30 boxes to the post office. I did that for a year before I finally figured it out!
Hi Marion,
I make “Santa’s lost glove” for children to find on Christmas morning. If you approve, I would like to send you one for the boys to find.
Lin
You can find the “SHOP” tab at the top of MMS page. Hope this helps because stuff goes fast, good luck! 🙂
How lucky you were to receive lovely gifts. I must say I do love the French Day bed, you have done a wonderful job of it so far, can’t wait to see the finished piece.
Have a wonderful Christmas, I think you deserve the well earned break.
Lee 🙂
I have the same purse from Jeanne Oliver Designs! I ordered it the day they came out on her website, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!!!!!! Blessings to you and your family!
Hi Marian,
I’m sure you’ve probably already sold them, but I’m interested in the six cane oval back chairs that you have … let me know if they’re still available. I’m not sure where Gettysburgh PA is … but it may be close to me, I’m in Western New York – and always enjoy a drive. So, let me know.
Thanks,
Artie
(looking for your email to send this to you that way, too!)
As many others have pointed out….print labels at home, mail carrier will pickup at your doorstep..My daughter and I have sold on Etsy for 3 years and Ebay for 8, we ship things out daily, post office will even give you flat rate boxes delivered to your door step…I have a 15 dollar scale from Walmart works perfect…Why make selling online harder than it has to be. ..I shipped out 5 things today and 7 yesterday, never even change out of my PJ’s…Happy Holidays
Could I ask if your are ok with fee based blog entries?
All I’d want is for you to produce content material for
me and a link or mention of my site. I can also compensate you.