Featured Zibbeter - BSLCreations
This week we are featuring a relatively new Zibbeter. Barbara Lemke from Mission Viejo, California has been with us since October. Her bright cheerful plush characters caught our attention.
Barbara is passionate about her Daily Whisper cards that teach people how to have a healthy inner-dialog.
You’ll also find monsters, cats, dogs, owls and more at BSL Creations.
Please enjoy the interview, leave Barbara a comment, and then use the Share tools to Spread the Zibbet Love!
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Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Barbara Lemke. I am happy, blessed, thankful and positive about life. I enjoy each day; some more than others but all in all I have created a very nice life for myself. I have great friends, a loving husband, 4 grown children and one grandbaby girl due any day.
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Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?
Apart from being creative I enjoy my family, do a little consulting work on the side, take long walks with my dogs, and think about what I will create next. I have been a business woman most of my life so I’m always dreaming about what I can create to support my husband and me in our retirement! I believe in the statement, “do what you love and the money will follow” so I keep moving on trying to find that special something that no one can live without.
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What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?
Seeing a person smile when they look at my Cuddle Wumkins inspires me. Smiling is something that we all need to do more of. It makes us feel good on the inside. I believe that before we can create the life we wish for we need to stop our negative thinking and destructive self talk. My Daily Whisper cards were created as a way to help people through this process. The cards when read often teach people to speak to themselves in a more loving way. These cards are my creation and my true love and will be my main focus in 2012.
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Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?
I look up to Oprah as she is a woman who said “no” to the crap we see on television and decided to bring forth a message of hope and love when no one else was doing it. She used her public persona to help change the world and has inspired millions of people.
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What other passions do you have in your life?
I am passionate about so many things. Aside from my family who are at the top of my list, I enjoy being a teacher and a mentor. I love my friends, watching the sun set, the sound of birds, watching my dog chase butterflies, and spontaneously chatting with the neighbors. I enjoy a good movie, dining out, the ocean, children playing, laughter and surprising someone with something unexpected just because I thought of them. I try to find joy in everything I do keeping in mind that life can be short and there is no promise for tomorrow. I always end each day in gratitude.
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What do you like most about Zibbet?
The Zibbet site is clean, contemporary looking and easy to navigate through. I like the sense of community and how welcoming people are.
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What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?
When we copy an item to create a new listing I would like to see the categories show up automatically so I can choose to make changes or keep them the same.
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How do you promote your work?
I promote my work through Facebook, Twitter and word of mouth. Toward the end of the year I sell at craft fairs and boutiques. I have a mailing list and send out newsletters of new items and upcoming shows.
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How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?
When opening a shop keep in mind that you want people to drop by and stay a while just as if you were a brick and mortar store. Make sure your banner is a good representation of your work as this is the first thing people see. Secondly take good pictures of your items so shoppers will want to look more closely. Take several pictures at different angles and be sure to show the back of your item. In your description include the materials used and size of your item. If it is a creation of your own always put © and the date at the bottom for protection.
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In the future I’d like to be…
My 2012 focus is to move into the wholesale market. In addition I will design more of my Daily Whisper card packs and create a new line of dog and cat products. As always I am divinely guided so time will tell what I end up with. Stay tuned; it is always a fun ride here at BSL Creations!
Tags: BSL Creations, Featured Zibbeters
Excellent interview - so happy to meet you and read more about you, your work, your life! Enjoy that new baby grand-person…..
Grandmother Carolyn
It’s very nice to meet you Barbara! You have such super cute creations in your shop! I wish you much continued success!
Dawn
How cute are those… and I have to go check out your shop in a second.
Nice to have you here. And may your dreams for 2012 come true!
Frauke
Barbara, it’s nice to read about you and your fun creations. Congratulations on a wonderful interview…
LOVE LOVE LOVE the little green fellow pictured here, and your cards are beautiful! So nice to meet you and I hope your 2012 dreams come true!
Off to visit your shop…..
~Becky
I smiled while reading the interview and through every page of your shop!!!
Barbara, you have such a warm personality that shows through in your interview. Wishing you much success in 2012.
I love your monster dolls and plushies!
May your wish for 2012 come true!
What an absolutely awesome interview!! I simply adore those whisper cards - I think they’re something everyone should have. :o)
So nice to ‘meet’ you Barbara. I just love your Cuddle Wumkins!
how fun.
Thank you everyone, you make me feel so welcome. Please share my store with friends and family and I will do the same.
So nice to meet you Barbara, Love your creations & cards! Good luck here at Zibbet & I know you will really love being a Grandma-it’s great! Nancy
Enjoyed your interview. Welcome to Zibbet!
What a lovely interview! Good luck!
I love the Whisper Cards - its so true that many people get caught up believing all that negative thinking that can flash through our heads. God Bless you and your work! Thanks! …oh, and by the way…Grandbabies ROCK!!!!!!! Congrats!
What a lovely interview Barbara! So nice to meet you here on Zibbet! Your shop is fantastic! :=)
So nice to meet you, Barbara ~ your creations are darling!
Very nice to meet you Barbara. You make create some real delights!
Thank you everyone. My grand daughter was born on January 4th and she is absolutely adorable. I saw a Facebook post today that says, “children our our rainbows and grand children are the pot of gold.” That is the way I feel, like I found a pot of gold! Needless to say, I haven’t made anything new for my shop because my attention is elsewhere. But I will soon so please come back and visit. I am always open to comments too. If you feel my prices are wrong, or the picture should be better, please feel free to comment. Take care and thank you for the warm reception.
Barbara, I love your characters, so whimsical and cheerful. I have one of your pillow pockets on my wish list, the ones for teens. I need it for my phone and glasses. Nice interview.
Judy