All About The Buttons

I Love Hearts...♥♥

2012-01-23T13:19:00.000-05:00

I do love hearts. I have heart jewelry and wear a gold heart all the time. I love heart shaped wall decor, house decorations and ornaments. I even have a heart shaped wrought iron piece outside that I am training a vine to climb and cover.

I am not a particular fan of Valentine's Day but enjoy the heart displays so I thought I'd display some from my shop for you...♥!

Hearts & Buttons

2012-01-14T12:37:00.002-05:00

I ♥ hearts! And of course, buttons! To incorporate the two is such great fun. For the first time, I'm sharing with you a simple button heart project that will not come out identically as mine but will have your ♥ and button stamp of approval! My hoop measures 8" and this time I chose all white and cream, mostly vintage buttons. I used over 100 buttons. But don't let my choices stop you, go for color, go larger or smaller in the hoop measurement....go for it!

Materials:
1 wood hoop, any size
fabric piece at least 2" larger than hoop. Best not to use a knit but a woven like linen or cotton.
assorted buttons-2 or 4 holed work better, not shank as they will wobble!
needle & thread
pencil
white glue

Lightly freehand a heart shape onto your fabric piece using a pencil.
Fit fabric in your hoop and pull to make sure it is snug.
Begin sewing and placing your buttons within the heart. You can just sew them side by side and have the fabric show through or you can slightly over-lap to not let the fabric be seen.
Continue until the heart is filled.
Trim excess fabric to within 1/2".
Turn hoop over and lightly layer some white glue on the inside of the wood hoop. Work in small sections and roll the excess fabric onto the glue. You can use clamp binder clips for a few minutes until set.

Ta da!!! You have completed a one-of-a-kind heart hoop button sampler.
Tie a ribbon at the top for decoration if you wish.
Hang on the wall or place on an easel for display.
Wonderful gift or room decoration for a fellow heart and button lover...you?!

Yarn Stash and 2012

2011-12-30T14:52:00.001-05:00

Okay, what does my (to me) humongous stash of yarn have to do with 2012?
I spent the better part of a day last week re-organizing my yarn bins and cleaning up the mess. A cat would have a heyday with the flowing strings and balls! Everything was being placed into semi-clear bins by color, except for one bin of only cotton.
And what I discovered were some wonderful threads I had forgotten about so I pulled out a bunch and put them in a basket.......whoa! STOP!!!! That's how the mess got started with the "I'm going to use this next" basket of yarn which was next to the "new yarn I don't want to put away" basket besides the "scraps of yarns just finished with" basket....ugh!
I put them all back in their respective bins. I emptied my 2 knitting totes of all their odd leftovers and stashed them as well.

And we were neat again.

So what does this have to do with 2012? AGAIN, I vow to make a dent in this stash. Unless there is a special order calling for a color I don't have (unlikely) I will NOT purchase yarn. For how long? I dunno! But I'm going to try. I am going to disregard the 50% off coupons and walk away.
The photos just show 3 of the 6 bins.
Oh, see anything you like/need/want? Let me know and it just may be listed in the shop! That's another way to get rid of some and then buy more, right???!!!

Happy,Healthy 2012!

January 3....not to be believed....just got a special order and don't have the color for part of it. What color, you ask? BLACK!!!!

Lesson Learned

2011-12-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

So in my last post I ranted and raved about devaluing my work, marking down prices, the value of a sale.
And what did I do? Had a sale!!!! Head hanging in shame? No, this one worked. Why?
Last week was my last show of the season and we all know meeting and talking to people in real life is vastly different than our on-line experiences. I also am well aware of what I call the "touch factor"....beng able to pick up, touch, try on beats examing a photo on the computer. As I was packing for the sale I was thinking how some pieces have been with me awhile. Read that as:OLD! I want them gone!
I decided to have a sale on my hats, gloves and scarves-a pre-holiday draw. I also sent an e-mail blast to local friends, neighbors and previous buyers, offering them the sale price AND delivery. I would never do this at the start of the craft show season but since it was my last, I felt it was worth a go.

Well, it worked! I had a good fair, moved many scarves, hats & gloves and the verbal interaction definitely made the difference. That also included 4 local sales.
The best comment I heard was "Your prices are so reasonable, I feel like I'm stealing!"....to which I replied, "Well, you can pay full price!!!"...she bought.

The lesson learned: Sales may work in real life.
Did I lose any money? No.
Did I network? Yes.
Did I devalue myself? No.
Oh, did I mention I had the same sale going at the same time online? Zip, zilch, nada.
And now I have some extra coin to buy more yarn and make new items. Well, I won't buy any yarn....we all know how huge the stash is.....the photo shows a teeny fraction!

In case we don't 'talk', I hope your holiday is warm and wonderful!

To Sale or Not To Sale!!!

2011-11-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

My goal when I embarked on the online craft path was to make what I love and share. My family (few females) are probably sick of receiving my creations and now, unless they ask, they get nothing made by me. (Right now I am making the boys hats with beards attached...who knew that would be a request?)
I have always been thrilled to sell my work as it is a type of positive validation. As Sally Field said "They like me. They really like me!"
Of course earning some extra money has been wonderful if only to feed my supply addiction and stash. So I think I have always priced fairly. I'm not looking to rip off anyone but entice by design, good pricing and heart.
Then there are holiday sales....a not so positive experience for me over the years but I didn't want to be left out so I joined those promotions. Selling scarves in July kind of yells for a price reduction and I've done it. Not to great success,though.
Back to school, Halloween and then Cyber Monday and I see fellow crafters marking down their creative endeavors by 15-20-30 even 40%!!!! I'm confused so I posted a query on Facebook.
Responses varied but many agreed that their prices were fair and marking them down was a hurtful loss. And, like my experience, they really didn't work. I understand the desire to drum up business, get positive feedback or move older pieces but the profit margin for many is so slight, a sale hurts.
I say, do what you love, love what you do and don't devalue yourself. Does that mean I'll never have a sale or a discount or free shipping? Maybe. Maybe not. But I don't think I'll allow myself to follow the big box pack....I'm not in that league and don't want to be. I don't have items in the $100+ range, far from it and although more sales are always welcome, I will not devalue myself just for a sale.

Here's my latest...price firm!!!

Re-using,Re-purposing,Re-cycling

2011-11-17T19:28:00.001-05:00

I don't know if it's the nature of a crafter combined with the needs of a teacher that encourages saving and thinking "Someday I'll use that" and whatever 'it' is gets stashed and saved.
As an elementary school teacher, I was always collecting what appeared at first glance, some useless items....egg cartons (of course), Crystal Light plastic containers, swizzle sticks and chop sticks and so much more.
If old clothes were clean and in good shape, they were donated. If not, they were saved for the fabric and certainly the buttons.
In my quest to use what I have, I am beginning to make a dent in the stash pile...yippee!The boys want hats with beards attached and I have ALL the yarn I need here in the house...yay!

This snow man is on fabric that was a shirt and the eyes are broken straight pins! The buttons are vintage.

This magnetic pin holder was made with an advertising magnet and again, a piece of discarded farbric from a shirt.

And lastly, of the recent projects, a felted cuff from a hot washed wool sweater...not planned!

So in the long run I am pleased with all the stuffing and stashing and storing of stuff and am happy they now have new lives! Now what can I make with that.......?!

Trends

2011-11-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

I find it so interesting to see what sells and what doesn't, especially at shows where you have a concentrated block of sales in a definite time period...well, hopefully!
The first time I sold 9 sets of wash cloths at a show I thought I had the new pet rock!

The first show this season was a scarf and bookmark show....oodles. Yay, terrific.

The 2nd show 2 weeks later,in roughly the same area, no scarves at all but handwarmers and bookmarks.
Now I did have the other odd item here and there-some barrettes, a pin or 2, a tapemeasure but the scarves and handwarmers were the hits and the bookmarks. Now some may say, it's getting cool, tis the season for those sales and that is true but I have a new and different viewpoint. I'm thinking people,in this tense economy, are purchasing the practical. The needed. The useful. Not the decorative little doo-dad that may become a dust collector. Maybe they'll buy those closer to the holidays when gifts are really needed but I'm sensing a shying away from that stuff. Maybe marketing and promoting have to be steered in that direction. What do you think?

Anyway, here's a useful, little doo-dad I just listed. I can't help myself!
And oh, after 2 shows, just 3 sets of wash cloths!

Why?

2011-10-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

Why I love/hate October and why does everything happen at the same time?
This time of year is always so busy,not just for me, but for most people. It starts with the beginning of school, the seasonal weather changes and so many holidays and events my head spins. Of course, there are always the usual crafty business things in advance of the holidays. DH had a concert/convention that took us away for 3 days but it seemed like a week. I had a show 2 weeks ago and 2 more coming up. Yard work preparing for the winter must/should get done. Summer clothes need stashing and long sleeves must be found.
Years ago, my physician said "Hello, my October girl" as he walked in the examining room. Seems he noticed I was visiting every October for several years with various ailments usually involving head and chest congestion. Despite what many say, the change of weather always sickens me, but not as consistently since we moved south. I have hoped that "routine" had ended.
For the past 2 weeks, my adult son has been sick and I said "Ah, October", it's your turn. I have been watching the calendar as I will have the boys for 4 days. next week. With their complicated busy schedule, I'm concerned as next Saturday is my 2nd show with set-up on Friday. At the same time as the set-up is their school "Hootenanny" which they adore going to...an outdoor event of 4 hours! (No sign of rain in the forecast!) Then it's off to the airport late Friday to pick up their returning parents. Saturday show from 9-3 and DH has a show at 7. Sunday is loaded with 2 more events.
So with mixed emotions, I began preparing for next week 2 weeks ago...tagging, pricing, packing, cooking, cleaning, shopping. Why so far ahead you ask? And I answer "You never know what can halt the preparations so plan ahead."
What's happened to stop me in my tracks? OCTOBER...here it is the 30th and I'm in the throws of feeling like crap....fever, headache, chest congestion and yes, I did have the flu shot. Why couldn't I get through this month? Why does October hate me?
Med place opens at noon and I'll be there!

All About...Me!

2011-10-09T11:35:00.002-04:00

This has been circulating and it's pretty neat...the ABCs of you, or in this case me! Feel free to copy.

A. Age: getting older as I type! but I will be..really?...nah!!!

B. Bed size: King
C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning floors....hardwoods look great but...
D. Dogs: None now...I honestly don't want the responsibility.
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee, black
F. Favorite color: When this question is asked I'm always thrown...to wear or to decorate with? Lately for me it's been orange and gray.
G. Gold or Silver: gold
H. Height: 5’8" but I may be shrinking...see the A above...
I. Instruments you play: none
J. Job title: Retired mother, grandmother, wife, creator
K. Kids: 1 married son
L. Live: Greer, SC
M. Mother’s name: Irene
N. Nicknames: Baba
O. Overnight hospital stays: birth delivery and foot operation
P. Pet peeves: messy surfaces that need to be used for other purposes...are you listening,honey?!
Q. Quote from a movie: "I'm gonna beat you till you're dead, old man"....from Moonstruck. (I am NOT violent but it can be a perfect line to repeat!)
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: 1 older brother
T. Time you wake up: 6:30-7:00
U. Underwear: comfy cotton
V. Vegetable you hate: radishes
W. What makes you run late: usually someone else...are you listening,honey?!
X. X-Rays you’ve had: dental,chest,feet
Y. Yummy food that you make: soups...haven't blown one yet.
Z. Zoo animal: monkeys...so entertaining!

Quotes and sayings and things to remember!

2011-09-19T14:47:00.002-04:00

Let me be upfront...I rarely can tell a joke, long, short, it doesn't matter.I am usually forgetting the punchline. There are sayings I love and never recall them to insert at the right time. And so many quotes that also escape me. My brother and mother have that gene....I was passed by!
I received a catolgue the other day with some pretty sarcastic and funny sayings on them. Do I remember any? Well, they're sitting right here so I can tell you some. These were all printed on signs or mugs or t-shirts.
This was written for me.... "The house was clean last week (sorry you missed it)."
And this one... "The voices in my head told me to buy more shoes"....uh huh!

Anyway, they all got me to thinking about putting these on some clocks like this one:

I make these clocks with the brilliant graphic mind of Judy from PortableGraffitiGraphics . She creates the design while I assemble the clock. It got me thinking that YOU may have a saying, a joke, a line you'd like immortalized on a clock and most probably Judy and I could do it. So drop me a note at AllAboutTheButtons or leave a comment here and together we can make time!!! Or maybe you feel like this clock!

Oh, and they don't have to be fresh or sassy or sarcastic! They can be anything that speaks to you!

What I Make

2011-09-06T09:46:00.001-04:00

In previous posts, I confessed to crafter's ADD....I like to make lots of things and get easily bored if I have to repeat. Almost everything I make is one-of-a-kind. That got me to thinking....what do I make? It kinda of made me stressed to think of it all.
Scary to think, I probably have forgotten something! (and I did...just added aceos)

aceos
barrettes
basket clocks
bobby pins
book clocks
box clocks
brooches
button necklaces
button bracelets
cactus
CD clocks
clothespin magnets
cocktail spoons and forks
cowls
crochet bracelets
crochet necklaces,
cozies
cuffs
custom business clocks
dog sweaters
dish cloths
earrings
embellished boxes
embroidery hoops
eyeglass cases
face scrubbies
gloves
hand warmers
hats
magnetic bookmarks
mini purses
napkin rings
pins
plate clocks
purses
ribbon bookmarks
scarves
scissor fobs
shadow boxes
tapemeasures
wash cloths
wood magnets

I have 12 letters of the alphabet not covered yet...better get cracking! So I am taking suggestions for new products starting with letters I haven't yet used. Colors don't count.
What can I make that starts with y? U? Hmmmm.... remember, most of my things have buttons on them!
And I'll calm my stress with this bit of advice:

Catch Up on A cRaZy WeEk!

2011-08-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

The week started with an unusual activity for me....I went to the movies! I love movies...at home with the remote in control. This was actually only the 3rd time in 9 years for me. I went with some neighbor pals to see "The Help" which we had all read and loved. Most often a movie is a poor second to a good book, even a so-so book. This was a great book and a terrific movie....faithful to the book, wonderful acting and great attention to the visual details of 1963. Don't miss it!

I was walking past our designated guest room and heard an unfamiliar noise. There are 2 mirrors hung in there that are loose and a slammed door will make them rattle. No one has slammed anything. I called my husband in to watch and listen to the mirrors and his reaction was "Oh, it's the guys outside mowing"...uh, since when does a lawn mower shake a mirror? A few minutes later we found out it was an earthquake 6 hours north of us! We didn't feel it but saw and heard it.

Hurricane Irene...My Mom's name was Irene so hearing her name all week has been unsettling. My Mom was no hurricane! Talented, creative and quiet,yes! Up until yesterday we kept getting calls and e-mails from friends and family who are geographically challenged! A cousin called from Florida to warn me that since it passed her it's heading to me in North Carolina...uh, no! We are in SOUTH Carolina and at closest, 4 hours from the shore, so yes, we're fine. Then I turned my calls to friends in NJ, NY and MA and some were clueless that Hurricane My Mom is heading their way. May this storm just go away and leave everyone alone.
Last night the boys came for dinner. They do not exactly eat the same foods. Now if I were feeding them every day, I'd change the rules but this is Grandma's house and rules are bent so they each got their favorites. I incorrectly assumed I'd have leftovers but not after repeated "Any more?" For the next dinner, I may have to re-mortgage!
And now we are about to face a weekend with NO plans!!!! Hooray!
I may just make another one of these....isn't it the cutest?!

Have a great weekend!

The Economy and Handmade

2011-08-13T17:44:00.001-04:00

Okay, let's just get it out there....the economy sucks. We know it. We're living it. There's barely anyone who isn't affected somehow. Young,old and in between.
Many, many people have turned to crafting in recent years. And why?

Some need the creative outlet and decided to try their hand at selling...an enjoyable hobby/business.
Some have always tried to sell...a career.
Some are doing it to save money for themselves....environment and economy minded folks.
Some are doing it to supplement their incomes...those whose other jobs aren't cutting it.
Some are crafting to create an income....the unemployed.
And there are various combinations of those reasons.

The reason really doesn't matter but the product does. When and if you see an item at a festival, online, or at a crafter's co-op, think of the person behind the product. Think of the hands who molded the clay, threaded the needle or held the paint brush. You have a direct link. Think beyond them to their homes and families who might be very similar to yours. What might your purchase do for them? Their families? If you stop and think about it, it may become an additional reason to buy. We don't do that enough and the opportunities aren't really available.
Will we think about the oil rigger who had a hand in the gas we're pumping? No.
Do we think about the farmer who sowed the seed for the tomatoes in that jar of sauce? No.
It's back-to-school time now and the holiday season is right behind....big shopping events.

I think, I hope, you get my point. You can really have a direct impact on the lives of others when you choose to buy handmade. We all must spend our precious dollars carefully these days and when we choose handmade, besides a wonderful item, you'll feel good inside. Not a bad buy!!!

Time

2011-08-05T09:41:00.000-04:00

Savor the moment.....
Six years ago today my youngest grandson was born. I was taking care of the older one at the time and he kept questioning "Is my brother here yet? Is my brother here yet? Is my brother here yet?"...he was a bit past three. Today, naturally, they poke and push each other like animals but life without either is unimaginable. Six!!!
Harder to believe, the boys' father, my son, turns 37 tomorrow. And me not quite 40! HAHAHAHA!
Wasn't it yesterday when he asked for a "Manilow cookie"...Milano. And wanted to learn how to "lawn the mow". Was it yesterday when he fell out of a tree, landed on his head and broke his wrist? How excited it was when he became a US ranked tennis player? When he bought a building for his now successful business? When he became a father?
Yesterday? No, but locked in my memory bank forever.
Just came in from a birthday breakfast with them and the little guy hugging me and saying "You're the best"...and the biggest one saying to him "I told you"...

Happy Birthday Boys!!!

Versatile Blogger

2011-07-28T10:57:00.001-04:00

I guess if you are versatile you have many talents, attempt many things, vary your routines and so on. My blog flips around to many topics so I must thank Amy of TenthAvenueSoapworks for giving me this award!

The rules of the Versatile Blogger Award are:

1 – Make a post and link it back to the person who gave you the award (and include their website address)
2 – Share 7 random things about yourself
3 – Award 7 bloggers with this award and contact them to let them know they have won

First the 7 random facts about me....
1-I cannot start my day successfully without my coffee (black) and the newspaper crossword puzzle (in ink).
2-I have eaten ice cream for dinner....many times.
3-I love the beach but don't swim.
4-I probably have more buttons than Michael's & ACMoore combined...big surprise!
5-I changed the course of my life because I HATE painting...not good for an art major.
6-Sewing machines push my buttons. We just don't get along.
7-I am proud of my computer skills since I am 98% self taught.

I am awarding this 'present' to:

Raige Creations
LetaMarieDesigns
CalabashCreations
CardBlanc
1000PointsofCreativity
BitsyCreations
FeelingStitchy

Time for Baseball

2011-07-14T14:41:00.001-04:00

I've written before about my son, grandson and baseball but since then we have moved onto a whole different level of 'game' playing. Little League was nothing compared to what is called travel ball.
Almost every weekend there has been a 2 day tournament with 4-5 teams. This past weekend it was bumped up to 4 days and about 8-9 teams. During this last one, Mother Nature deemed us fit to cook and the temperatures were an inhospitable 94 to 99. I went to EVERY game-2 Friday,1 Saturday, 2 Sunday and 2 Monday. Nuts,eh? Yes, but oh, such great fun.

Watching the kids mature, develop and play their hearts out was a treat. My grandson is 9.
Watching my son (at almost 37) mature and develop further was a joy.

Monday was the championship and our boys were ranked #1 and set to play #2. The heartbreaker came during the top of the last inning. Our boys were leading the entire 2 1/2 hour game. The other team caught up and passed us by 2. We had last at bat but it wasn't meant to be.
No tears.
No foot stomping.
No thrown bats.
No bad sportsmanship.
A joy to watch young boys develop character to hopefully become good young men.
A joy to watch my young man continue to develop and mature and make me proud.
I do believe positive sport's experiences can provide an invaluable education for the future.
Now, the behavior of some of the mothers? That's a whole other posting!

It's almost time for me to leave now. Where? Well, our boys played so well and behaved so honorably this week, that they were invited to participate in another 4 day event starting today.....where's my bat and glove?!
Have a great weekend!

FRIDAY UPDATE: In response to my wonderful readers & their comments...my son refuses to play "Daddy Ball" where his son is in and given advantages no matter what. Despite the score, he will pull any kid who is not clicking whether in skill or especially attitude. If anything, he's too hard on his son in attempting fairness....spoken by a true grandma!
Oh, last night's games? The first was against a team who had beaten us handily twice in the past but our kids reigned supreme winning fairly. Second game....intense drama but we won 10-9 in 2 1/2 hours ending at 10:30PM!!!
I happened to be sitting with the head umpire who has been working with kids in baseball for over 40 years. He paid our kids great compliments and said Monday's game was THE best game he ever saw with 9 year olds...nice to hear. He made it a point to watch our game last night because of Monday.
So they are 2-0 against kids a full year+ older. Tonite is in question as it's been raining all day. I'll keep you posted. Go team!

Collaboration

2011-06-30T13:50:00.002-04:00

I've written about collaboration before and want to share a new venture that was just started. Judy, of PortableGraffitiGraphics , and I have become good friends since we 'met' almost 2 years ago on Zibbet. She knew that I made clocks using a discarded CD as the base like this one:

And by the way, Happy July 4th!!!

We are now offering custom made clocks using a shop logo or avatar as the face. This would make a great gift for the crafter you know. Place it on a table when you do your shows. Hang it in your work space for accurate time and inspiration! Hey, significant others, your crafty partner would love this!

The one pictured on the right is our sample using MimiandColette as our prototype. The one below, we created for the BaubleBin.

You can let either Judy or I know if you are interested.

The listing is in my shop.

June 21, 2011

2011-06-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer Everyone!!!

Yours or Theirs

2011-06-14T13:22:00.000-04:00

Grrrrrrrrrr.....we all make typos but lately I have seen just plain out misspellings that no spell check is going to pick up. It is the wrong usage of a correctly spelled set of words. Now I am NOT professing to be an English master, but people who are earning nice $$$ on blogs and websites or are attempting to sell their crafts, are blowing this and need a smack upside their heads!!! This is also not a case of the new lingo replacing the old. It is just using the words incorrectly.
The first group is your or you're. If you can substitute the words 'you are' in place of your and it sounds right then the spelling is YOU'RE.
For example:
1-Your house is nice.
2-You are house is nice.
#2 is wrong, so the spelling is YOUR, choice #1

1-Your due at the show by 5:00.
2-You are due at the show by 5:00.
#2 is correct so use YOU'RE...okay?!

Group 2...there, their, they're
They're there at their house....confused?
Again, if you can substitute 'they are' and it sounds correct, use THEY'RE. In my example: They are there at their house.
THERE...is a place/location word and inside is another location...here...tHERE. So if you are (or you're) referencing a place, use there.
Last one...their. They're there at THEIR house. Whose house? THEIRS!!! It belongs to them.

I just finished reading a popular craft blog with thousands of visitors monthly, thousands, and both you're and their were misused. Don't rely on spell check. It will not pick this up but your readers may and be turned off by what you're
saying because you don't know how to ~~right~~ write. And they also may not by buy! English is fun.......... :)

Zibbet Daily Deals

2011-06-08T21:43:00.001-04:00

A group of lively Zibbet folk brainstormed in rapid fire fashion on Facebook today and came up with what could/should/hopefully be a great idea . Notice to the top right a widget stating "Zibbet Daily Deals". Click and check it daily for some wonderful offers from many Zibbet shops. It could be percentages off or free shipping or buy one, get one....you never know!
My fellow Zibbeters have consistently shown their amazing talents and true sense of community and friendship. I didn't begin selling online to make friends but have been truly graced by the company of some wonderful artisans.
Do check the deals and check out Zibbet...it is a wonderful place to be. Special thanks to Judy of Portable Graffiti Graphics for her design talents and ever willingness to help others. Visit her shops for a fabulous array of buttons, vintage and her graphic and proof reading services.
And check out the daily deals.

June

2011-06-02T13:00:00.000-04:00

June was always very special to me.

As much as I mostly loved school as a student, June was exciting as it marked the end of the grade. As a teacher, boy oh, boy, was it an exciting month----the end of the 10 month year.

My Mom always celebrated half birthdays and mine is in June, so another special event.

And now, through my grandsons, I'm aware of the end of school but really don't care. Half-birthdays? Marking getting old twice a year? Uh,no!

June has a business focus as I make sure to create any Father's Day or graduation gifts. No one is even close to graduating from anything in our family, so no gifts there.

June has a weather focus as in South Carolina, the serious heat is here. In New York, it was planting time. Here, it's don't let those babies dry up in the heat...water, water, water!

So what does June mean now? Really, it's just another month.

I do start thinking about fall/ winter items for the shop. Maybe having a "Christmas in July" sale again, even though they've been nothing in the past.

I decide if this old body will go in public clad in a bathing suit....probably not!

I stock up on bug spray and bite ointments.

We use the grill more and sit outside alot.

I love summer fruit which is starting to come in.

My husband and daughter-in-law have birthdays.

We have higher electric bills due to air conditioning.

We have lower home gas bills.

We're sad on Father's Day as we don't have our Dads but we're very proud of the Dad my son has become.

We're thankful we've completed 6 months of the new year without major issues.

So in the end, every month evolves and their meanings get adjusted and renewed. For new and different reasons, June is special. Enjoy yours!

New Disorder

2011-05-19T11:04:00.001-04:00

We all know about and sometimes some of us are afflicted by the alphabet soup of disorders...ADD, ADHD, OCD and on and on.
I have EBBC...Easily Bored By Crafts!
Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE to make things and some genres I have been active in since I was 8, like knitting and crocheting. But I really love making something new and different and if it involves upcycling, recycling, repurposing, all the better. I rarely can or will make the identical item twice. Because of my EBBC, my shop tends to be an eclectic mix with a bazillion categories (Thank you Zibbet for feeding into my disorder!) that may overlap or over reach. It's hard to pinpoint me in a 4-5 word description to fill in those blanks about what I sell. But, hey, this is me! My flightiness also includes a deep love for many materials as well...buttons, yarn, buttons, paper, ribbon, fabric, and oh, did I mention buttons?
I do admire the clean look of shops and booths that are so organized with items made with love but will fall under only one category like card makers, just knitters or just jewelry.
I have fun making stuff and find it hard to make the same things over and over. Of course, if they're monster sellers, I can reconsider!
Anyway, here are 2 of my new items, one upcycled and one just darn cute!

Anyone else want to join my EBBC support group?!

Breathe......

2011-05-03T13:07:00.000-04:00

Crafters are a unique bunch. Compulsive, obsessive, dedicated, energetic, talented, focused. I'm sure those traits are apparent in many fields but since I'm a member of this club, that is my observation.We search our brains for unique projects. We shop for the materials. We organize our work spaces. We execute the item. Photos are taken. Listings created. Postings regarding said items go on forums, Facebook, Twitter, etc. We compliment others and thank those that acknowledge us. We wait and wait and wait for the Paypal notice...you've made a sale. Sometimes it's in 5 minutes of a posting. Often it's way longer.

Now all I've described above should be only a small part of our day but for many the percentage is too high. Most crafters have other jobs, homes, school, families needing attention. Frustration seeps in. Questioning arises...why don't they like me? What am I doing wrong? How come she sells and I don't?
Public moaning is posted on the internet. Comraderie & understanding from fellow artisans helps but maybe, just maybe,
this is the time to walk away from the computer. Leave the craft space. Put the camera down and change direction.

Pick up a book. Weed the garden. Bake bread. Watch a movie. Visit a friend.

Remove yourself from the craft environment and breathe. Do not let your shop/items/creations be 100% of your life. There's much more out there. Refresh and when you finally do check back in, bingo, there may be a sale. And if not, move on.
Do what you love and love what you do!

My "Pet Rock"

2011-04-21T19:26:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I wanted to revive and improve my crocheting skills. Waaaaaaaaaaay back when, I even crocheted dresses and sweaters but under the close direction and scrutiny of a teacher. I re-started by making wash/dish cloths and used them myself, not for sale. I quickly realized these were pretty cool-wore well, washed well and did whatever scrubbing job I put them to so I made some for sale. Slowly, they sold, a set here, a set there.

Last fall when I started the craft show circuit, they were my top sellers. I love making many color combos as there are wonderful cotton yarns out there now. They are so portable, I take them with me whenever I think I will have to wait-at the doctor's, the mechanic, in the car (obviously when someone else is driving!).

Anyway, this week I had orders for a total of 11 soap sacks and 15 wash cloths! Phew! The one bad aspect? No buttons!

Clean up, everyone and have I got a rag for you!!!! Also, I have teamed up with TenthAvenueSoapworks....soap+cloths...great gift idea!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

2011-04-07T22:11:00.001-04:00

For many reasons, some obvious, I have decided to close my Etsy shops. The obvious reasons have to do with the turmoil and drama that seems to swirl over there and has been fairly public. But there's more...I'm supposed to be retired! I had a 33 year career as a teacher and now is 'supposed' to be my time of choice....I can choose what I want to do, when I want to do it. I love creating and have learned that in order to create AND sell, vast amounts of time must be put in promoting and marketing. Three online shops, actually 4, is just too much for me. It's not what I choose to do so much.

The sidebar Etsy link here has been removed.
I have new business cards with only my Zibbet address.
I have removed the Etsy decal from my car which really was indispensable when trying to find my common car in a parking lot!
The stores are still open as I am allowing everything time to expire and
I am offering a 10% refund when you write "Blog" in notes to seller for anything that is still in AllAboutTheButtons or AllAboutTheFiber .

I leave with a bit of sadness as Etsy opened the doors for me to sell my work. I am grateful for that but we've both grown and changed and no longer need each other.
As evidence of growth, even though this pin was very pretty, look at how crappy the photo is...one of my first online sales in October 2006. Yes, I've grown and changed!

Craft Show Learning Curve

2011-03-27T13:31:00.001-04:00

Wiser people than I have said to not work a show that you have not visited first. This is an often difficult piece of advice to follow when starting on the circuit. There are other, subtler lessons to learn.

Last fall I did a mediocre show at a high school about 25 minutes away, that I had never attended as a visitor. Lesson learned: try not to do a show that is off the beaten path. This school was a destination and attracted no drive-by traffic. Out in the woods may not be profitable.

Yesterday, I worked a new show again. I had been suggested to this group and was obviously flattered. They answered most of my questions well regarding advertising, other draws, size, etc. I knew the location was a good one, also in the previous high school area but on a main drag. They were going to have pony rides and bouncy houses and music and more to draw in the passer-bys. Great! We set up Friday and I 'thought' I had a great spot by the only entrance/exit....you couldn't/wouldn't miss my tables.

Saturday came with 40degree temperatures and a nasty, constant down pour.

Cancel the horses.

Cancel the music.
Cancel the bouncy thingies.

Freeze by the exit/entrance.

The visitors were mostly either friends or family of other vendors or the organizers. I barely made back my entry fee (precisely by $1.00). Of course, it wasn't the organizers fault and I do think with cooperative weather, it might have been a grand fair. Do I venture again, next year if they ask me back?

My saddest reaction to this was not being able to sell even one piece of a friend's wonderful work, shown below. She is an amazing clay artist and I hope at the next show she will be appreciated. Visit her at Clay Art By Daresa. Her work is inspiring!

Oh, the next show? Also a new one, never attended....hmmmm, we'll see!

Buttons and Easter and Eggs, Oh My!

2011-03-02T13:57:00.004-05:00

This was just purchased by a button company to use at their showroom and conventions and post on their website! ButtonsandMore

Organizing,part2!

2011-02-24T12:45:00.005-05:00

Maybe it's best to just use up what you have before you buy more? Ya' think?!!!!
Here are 2 new boxes, one listed, and you know from the previous post there's more to come...

But then there's the yarn....phew....so much and so little time. I decided all those leftover balls might sell to someone who knits or crochets smaller items so I grouped and listed them. And they sold BUT....yarn balled up becomes heavy. One group I listed for $15 including shipping. Guess what? The shipping was $10. Okay, $5 is gained for something I'd never use anyway, but my advice: Be aware, the shipping will eat your take home!
One more set left and hopefully this time I've learned my lesson!

Organizing a Multi-Use Space

2011-02-08T15:04:00.005-05:00

I am generally pretty organized. Ask me for something & I can usually find it within one look, 2 at the most. I can proudly say that I rarely lose things downstairs. And then there's the studio upstairs....not my finest achievement!
The studio is also a storage room, access to the attic, exercise room and often a laundry drying room....a not for public viewing space. It really got trashed during and after the shows in the fall and then the holidays came and all that stuff. The holidays ended and the decorations MUST be put away so the craft items, remember I said this was the STUDIO, were still scattered. Finally, mid-January I purchased some craft item and when I went to put it to use, found I had 3. Okay, this has got to stop....buying what you have is ridiculous.
I spent over 7 hours within the last week cleaning and organizing. Throwing out and consolidating. Buying more bins and drawers. Paring down some materials and noting I needed more of others. The hardest part was finding a particular supply or button or piece of paper and thinking "hmmm, I could make a..." and the cleaning got brushed aside. Then this weekend, I had an off-line sale of this button jewelry box~

I realized that was the last of the 7-8 boxes I had made. Off to the craft store for 6 more boxes. About 10 minutes ago, I started to work on a previously untouched cabinet up there. What did I find? Of course, 4 more boxes.
Moral of the story: Keep like items together and KNOW where you put them!!!

Time Flies Slowly

2011-01-26T15:40:00.004-05:00

It's January 26 and this devilish month is finally coming to an end. Even though I'm in the south, it's been cold and we haven't had the normal breaks with 55-65 degree days...just cold. We had a beastly summer, followed by a non-existent autumn and now this winter. And guess what? Our area will be invaded by the 13 year cicada in April....so no spring. Not familiar with cicadas? NOISY, huge and crunchy. They are not harmful to humans but their noise can be deafening...nice,eh? Some people eat them....uh,no!
So with a questionable 2 seasons past,a bad current one and the future, murky, I vow to ignore the weather. Think it's possible? The universal conversation starter? One can hope!
Meanwhile where are my gloves?

Can anyone think of something creative to do with this bugger? Crochet wing covers? Blech!

2011-01-15T13:15:00.002-05:00

Think spring, Valentine's Day or even Chinese New Year, but make the snow go away, please!

SOUTH Carolina

2011-01-10T16:01:00.007-05:00

The photos tell the story!

Another job.........

2011-01-05T14:26:00.003-05:00

For the past many months I have been an editor for the website www.indiesmiles.com It is dedicated to showcasing independent crafts people while also educating new indiepreneurs. It's been fun and a learning experience for me as well. One of my responsibilities is to secure photos to go along with articles that have been written. The photo is always credited to the owner with a link back to the shop....free advertising. Today I received my first denial for use after probably 200 requests. It came from a supply shop with no sales! I, foolishly, thought it might give them a lift of traffic and maybe some sales but I was so wrong! "We own those photos and must charge for their use"....
As long as I am living I am still surprised by the actions people take. But, I move on and know they have lost!
Anyway, if anyone is interested in writing for us, drop me a note. We always want new columnists with fresh perspectives and ideas. In the meantime, check out Indie Smiles!

Zibbet Spotlight

2010-12-28T15:26:00.006-05:00

Just sharing some new Zibbet promo things.....a challenge to myself that I accomplished!

2010-12-23T18:34:00.001-05:00

*★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★Christmas★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜田田｜門｜ ˚And a Happy New Year•˚ *★ ♥ x ♥

Wow...........

2010-12-17T18:18:00.003-05:00

This will be the first combined Saturday AND Sunday that we have had since the end of August with
NOTHING
ZIP
ZILCH
NADA
on the calendar !!! OMG!!!!
No shows for me or DH.
No social appointments.
No company.
No concerts.
No babysitting for the boys who are not babies anymore.
No special orders to complete.
No major house issues.
NOTHING!!!!!
Whatever will we do with oursleves?!
In a word..........chill and I can't wait.
Hope everyone has time to chill as well.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Ipads

2010-12-06T12:26:00.003-05:00

I am writing this brief post on my new IPad...A very cool, very expensive toy. I have never used a Mac so there
Is a lot to learn and get used to. I am going to a class tomorrow so I want to have my questions ready which
Are now pages long. For example, why is there a capital letter on the word 'are' at the start of this line and I can't
Fix it....now the 'f' on fix!!!
No pictures loaded so that's all now. hints and clues are more than welcome......needed!

Sometimes you have to break your word....

2010-11-30T12:42:00.007-05:00

I have always prided myself on keeping my word. If I make a commitment, it's done. Sometimes I may have regretted it, but it is rarely broken until today.....arghhhh!
I had paid for and entered a school craft fair for 3 hours tonite. The entry was minimal. DH couldn't come with me as he is committed elsewhere. But for 3 hours (5-8) at an active school...why not? The school is 40 minutes away, on back roads but doable until the forecast and my anxiety kicked into gear.
It started raining last night and is a cold, foggy rain today. It is expected to last until the early hours of tomorrow morning. Anxiety.
As I've gotten older, driving at night is not enjoyable. Factor in: rain, flash flood warnings, thunder, back roads and awful drivers? Not a good scenario. I'd get there okay as it will still be light but will buyers venture out on a miserable night? Will I be anxious the whole time worrying about getting home? Will I get soaked loading the car at the end?
No, yes and yes.
Two craft fair friends who are local said to blow it off. DH wanted me to, as well
So I have backed out.
Business has been slow and who knows what sales or contacts would have been made there. But most important is my safety & my sanity,right? So why am I still trying to convince myself that I made the right decision? Because I broke my word and that doesn't sit well.
And anyway, I'd like to make it unscathed to tomorrow....my birthday!
Here's #4 in my patchwork clock series, a taste of Europe. If anyone wants to purchase and cheer me up, it's here!

UPDATE on this post...at 4:00 the weather cleared and I was besides myself with frustration but it was done. At 6PM, light rain. 7:00 brought steady rain. At 8PM, when the show would be ending, the world was coming to an end! Heavy rain, thunder and tornado warnings right around the school. I would have been driving home in it with soggy merchandise!
So bottom line...I made the right decision. I haven't heard yet if the fair was a hit but how could it have been? Who would venture out into that mess?!
And I had a great birthday...thanks all for the wonderful wishes.♥

Craft Gossip

2010-11-21T22:45:00.006-05:00

VERY exciting to be reading the Craft Gossip newsletter and see my clock shown. Very cool! I usually read it on the same day I get it but this time with normal busy-ness and the show, I didn't get to it until the following day! It is a very stimulating creative site & obviously they have good taste!
It was here.

Why I Buy Handmade

2010-11-18T16:24:00.005-05:00

I collect little Santas....little,under 5". Yes, I have bought many at craft shows but many more in retail stores. This was before the internet availability of so many handmade goodies.
I just received this from Creations By Gena

In EVERY way, it is adorable and perfect from the bell on the velvet hat to each strand of his tea stained beard. In fact, I just ordered a 2nd as a little gift. No where is there a little tag that says "Made in China". In fact, it comes from a neighboring state!
I know I made Gena happy with my purchase and yet she elated me and I am trying with my feedback, forum posting and this blog entry to let her know how happy I am....and further convinced how wonderful a handmade purchase can be. Thank you, Gena.

Shows

2010-11-06T23:31:00.005-04:00

Just finished another show and characteristics were basically equal:
Gorgeous weather.
Heavy advertisements.
Free admission.
Kids activities.
Smooth flow.
Good locations.
Variety.
Why are some shows so much more successful than others?
#1-sold 9 sets of cloths.
#2-sold 1 set
#3-sold none
#1-sold 1 pair of hand warmers
#2-none
#3-5 pairs
#1-0 scarves
#2-6 scarves (plus orders for 3)
#3-1 scarf
No rhyme or reason that I can see but fortunately all worth the effort for me.
Three down, 3 to go...phew!

And just for fun....a new style clock:

Shows

2010-10-27T19:26:00.007-04:00

There were parts of my body that hurt and I didn't know they could after the 2 day show! LONG hours (9-7 Saturday and 9-1 on Sunday) but for me, very successful. It is definitely a case of be careful what you wish for. In certain areas my stock is almost depleted. I also received 4 special orders during the show. So now I must re-stock and work on those. I AM NOT COMPLAINING!!! This more than makes up for the July & August drought.
Contrary to the first show, only one set of wash cloths were sold. Again, lots of bookmarks,scarves and cozies like these:

As well as several mini-purses:

I'm low on hats and scarves so those needles must get clacking!
Just finished these for some special orders:

The next show is Nov. 6...do I have enough time?!

Show #2

2010-10-22T15:26:00.004-04:00

Pretty busy around here. Had a great show last Saturday and off in a bit to set up for a 2 day affair.
This time I'll use pins on the side to avoid the bunches. Wish me luck!

Last week a big seller were the washcloths

and the bookmarks.

What will it be this week?!

Zpirited Zibbet Zmiles!

2010-10-07T18:13:00.028-04:00

The Zibbet community is growing by leaps and bounds with just about 1000 members on the forums alone. The owners are top notch and their customer service is unbelieveable. The other morning I was doing a search for www.indiesmiles.com and nothing was showing up,zip,nil,nada. I immediately wrote an e-mail to support and also posted on the forums to see if it was me or everyone. Within mere minutes Jonathan came online to thank me for reporting it and telling me it was fixed. Can't do better than that!
And the people, the sellers I have met on Zibbet....nicer,more talented folks would be hard to find.
Here's a sampling of just a few:
Vicki sharing her computer and online knowledge in clear concise forms
Judy ready with humor and direct,articulate comments
Leta always tweeting and stumbling everyone
Karen also eager to help with encouraging, humorous posts
Marguerite promoting others with kind words first
Carolyn so eager to learn and honest about herself
Heather a talented Brit with a clear perspective
Lori always with enthusiasm and kind words

So if you are an artist/craftsperson and thinking of selling your work, Zibbet is the place to be.
If you are a shopper looking for that special handmade piece, Zibbet is the place to be.
And if you need a special Christmas gift, one of a kind, never to be repeated, check this out! Clocks make great gifts and decorative pieces!

Shameless self-promo!!!

What is too much?

2010-09-27T16:15:00.005-04:00

When my son was little he adored munching on carrots. When I took him to the doctor I asked about this yellowish tint that I saw at the end of his nose. "Does he like carrots?" asked the pediatrician...uhhh,yup! Whatever wasn't used or processed by his little body was deposited at the tip of his nose...TRUE! So in essence, this was too much of a good thing despite being way better than munching on lollipops or jawbreakers which fortunately he didn't like.
It was brought to mind regarding the inventory you keep in your shop....what is too much? What is too big? It's not like walking into a craft store and avoiding the materials you don't need. Do online shoppers mind a big shop? I try to keep my sections clean, organized and clear but do shoppers go much past the 2nd or third page? If you have 10 pages do you rotate so some things move to the fore front? I am closing in on 200 items in one of my shops and I fret and worry if it's too much.
I'm curious to hear any thoughts about this and what,as a shopper, you think may be too much. Is it wise to keep out-of-season things in the shop for that occasional buyer who might buy a Christmas ornament in March? I know temperature driven things should stay to attract the side of the world opposite from you but is it disconcerting to see it all?
And as I question this point I add almost daily! Like this will be tomorrow 's new listing:

Awe.....

2010-09-14T16:06:00.003-04:00

I am in awe of bloggers who can post articulate, relevant pieces almost daily. I receive 4 newsletters every day and some have 3-4 articles within each, written by one person. How do they do it?
Sometimes I just have nothing to say that I think others would like to hear.

So here are some short, random thoughts that really wouldn't make it as a real, full length post!

#1-went to a juried craft show Saturday that I was rejected by. Hmmm....my stuff is just as good!
#2-going to a "picnic" tonite that I was just told is indoors. What's up with that? The weather couldn't be better, comfy temperatures and no humidity....I'm hanging outside!
#3-sold 9 washcloths to one customer (YAY!) and now must restock...hand hurts!
#4-wish I could use this piece here but it's NEVER cold enough. I'll list it next week.

Now that I re-read what I just wrote, I've not only written a post but sparked some ideas for later. Writer's block, be gone!

Mixed Thoughts on Labor Day

2010-09-06T11:15:00.004-04:00

Labor Day brings up all kinds of feelings and thoughts for me. When I was teaching, we always started school the day after Labor Day. That's when my official 'labors' began. UGH! It marked the end of vacation and that freedom and began the rigors of the job and the loss of a certain freedom (using the bathroom whenever you wanted-teachers can relate!). Now,Labor Day is a different holiday to me so I must remember NOT to put the garbage out, not to look for mail, cancel a trip to the bank and read a noticeably thicker newspaper filled with another excuse for a sale. I know now my labors are my love.Then questions of whether or not to post something online comes up. Is anyone online to notice? Is a b&m open for me to visit? Are the store hours the usual?
Notice, all my teaching and post teaching issues with the holiday have NOTHING to do with the holiday's intent.
What is Labor Day? What is the meaning? I questioned an 8 year old yesterday and other than a day off from school (they start way before the holiday) he had not a clue.Did you know initially it was to quell concerns after a labor strike that resulted in the death of some workers? Wikipedia says "The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations".
The US Department of Labor says "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."
With either definition Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, a day to relax, remember the summer and gather for the autumn BUT it is also a day for all the workers-firemen, police, retail clerks, store attendents,doctors, nurses, etc. who are laboring today. And today especially, THANK YOU!

Pride....

2010-08-26T08:52:00.007-04:00

We all have pride. Maybe for our kids accomplishments, our mate's skills or our co-workers/student's growth. But do we take pride in ourselves? Do we even think about it? Confession: I don't! Women generally push themselves aside to dote on and take pride in others.

I'm of the school that anybody can do what I do. No big deal. If you can read, you can do it. Well, maybe not so much!
Some of my creations, take 7 minutes...who can't do that? Some go on for hours and yet again, anyone can do it. I decided to challenge myself a bit and try some things I usually avoid. With my yarn journeys I usually seek out gorgeous yarns and let them shine so the patterns are fairly simple and give way to the beauty of the thread. I have quite a stash of yarn (not surprisingly!) and found a huge skein of red worsted and another in white, hidden in one of my 7 bins. They yelled "Candy Canes" to me and I began a search for an appropriate item to make. In a stitch book I found one that seemed a bit challenging but the sample was done with 2 muted tones and you really couldn't see the end result. What to make with it? I took the red and white and started on what I thought might be a long scarf. I subsequently decided to shorten it to a scarflette with buttons (of course!) and here's the result. Can anyone do it? Probably, but I did it and I'm proud! Not a bad feeling at all!

A friend is..............

2010-08-11T12:25:00.010-04:00

It really is amazing how you 'meet' people online, develop a relationship, listen to their rants or pleasures, sometimes become quite close and yet, if they rang your doorbell you would definitely say "Who are you?".

I think I have a new friend in Karen of Le Petit Poulailler especially with this wonderful post on her blog. What sweet memories it evokes! Notice the sub-title on Karen's blog...It's All About The Chickens.

She has several wonderful shops such as Three French Hens ,Le Petit Poulailler and The Little Chicken Coop
.
Go and visit, be charmed by her items, browse and buy but do tell her that it is all about the buttons AND the chickens!
Photo courtesy of Three French
Hens

Just ask....

2010-08-06T16:22:00.005-04:00

Manners? Have any? Use them?
A friend just called quite upset about a blog post that her husband stumbled upon (no, not "Stumble Upon"!). He is an antiques dealer within a very specific genre. In fact, it is true to say, he is one of the world's foremost authorities in this area. A blogger decided to do a post about this type of item (yes, I'm being intentionally vague) and lifted about 10 photos to use in the article. Seven of those photos were his items and with the item title there was a link back. It was a fairly accurate post BUT there was no mention of his name and certainly no credit to him. He has written two "bibles' on the subject and yet with all this blogger's "research", not a word.
Now what's so bad, you are asking? He got his photos on another site and will possibly get interest and/or sales from it. It should be the owner's preference and decision to be associated with another venue or not. As an editor for www.indiesmiles.com, I seek photos for articles. After almost a year, I have never been refused BUT almost to a person the response includes "Thank you for asking".
Don't take...ask! It's good manners.
Now you'd love me to link to my friend's shop or put his name in my tags so you can figure it out but I'm not because I didn't ask! But please consider this when you are writing your own articles or blog or whatever. It's good manners so just do it.
And if anyone asks you what time it is, you can say "Time For Watermelon"...now really what other photo could I have used with this rant?!

I Hired a Model

2010-07-30T15:58:00.003-04:00

Need I say more?!

Sweeties

2010-07-25T20:52:00.005-04:00

Okay, I've been gone and you're wondering where? Sadly, my sweet father-in-law passed away but at the very ripe,wonderful age of 95. His death was in New York....so on the road again. My husband really took it well and we had 2 wonderful experiences while there. First, DH had reconnected online with a boyhood friend awhile ago but they hadn't seen each other for over 40 years. Dennis literally took buses and trains in 95degree heat and came to visit while we were there. A sweetie.
The second true sweetie award goes to my son who flew up from South Carolina out of respect for DH and I. A total surprise and heart stopping shock when he walked in. He had never met my father-in-law due to distance circumstances but came anyway. What a boy/man! I have done something right!
I am surrounded by sweeties....a good life!
Speaking of sweet, how fabulous is this heart from Denim and Pearls? Vicki has a great sale going on until July 31st.

The evil of self promotion....

2010-07-10T10:08:00.005-04:00

When people start selling online, it is a common thought to think "Post and they will come"...uh,no!
Promoting can sap your strength, use up your energy and to say nothing about how it takes great chunks of time. BUT is is necessary, so get used to it!
Some things work while others fall flat but to try is the goal because as my (infamous) DH says "Ya' never know".
A suggestion was made on the Zibbet forums to start a Christmas in July sale similar to Etsy's which hadn't been a proven winner for me in the past. But, ya' never know! Count me in!

So until July 17th, everything is marked down 20% and after that by weeks, it will go down first to 15% and then 10%. Now I think my pricing is extremely fair and 20% off is a steal and actually it hurts. Some would raise their prices to reduce the pain. I didn't and I won't. I do want to clean out some older work and begin listing my stockpile of new things.

So come on in and get a great deal, get to know my shop and come back again and again and again!
How's this for shameless self promotion?....going to hide under a rock......
Oh, and besides promoting myself, here's a great offer from Zibbet:
FREE 30 day Premium Zibbet shop trial~Enter code MONTHOFF at sign up until 7/20!

Doors and Windows

2010-06-29T19:04:00.008-04:00

I wanted to be an architect for many years and I have an affinity for windows and doors.One wall in my house is filled with photos and drawings and a print or two, all of those elements. DH and I just went to Charleston for a little getaway and what are all my photos? Doors and windows. Here are a few:

But my favorite is this sign at the 'door'way to the beach.
It says:
DEADLY CURRENTS-NO SWIMMING
Stay Out of The Water
$500 Fine-Several Drownings
Don't be next

Question: If you do drown, do you still have to pay the fine?

Hot Numbers

2010-06-19T09:15:00.011-04:00

There is always tremendous talk on Etsy regarding item and shop views and how they relate to sales. What is the thinking behind hearting an item? For future purchase? Kindness? Bookmarking? There are even outside sites where you can clearly see those numbers.
My independent research shows little or no correlation. I have sold items within 5 minutes of posting and just 2-3 views which leads me to think right customer, right moment when it was posted. Period! On Zibbet there are no public views and the internal counts can be confusing. I've been going through my items and while renewing, I found some startling numbers of items that have been around for a bit and have high view counts and hearts. A sale is a sale whether it has 2 views, 22 or 222!
Here's some great 'old' stuff, high views, numerous hearts and without a rhyme or reason, they're still here!
Groovy Clock

Cigar Box Clock

Heart Clock

Chenille Scarf

Reading

2010-06-13T12:28:00.006-04:00

I love to read.
I love books.
I save books.
I love reading to children.
I have no more room for books!
One of the most exciting aspects of impending retirement was about having more time to read. For so much of my adulthood I read about 2-3 books between September and June and then 12-15 in July and August. Now I don't count. I think it's wonderful to read anything, in any form-newspapers(I am a paper-aholic), magazines (too many subscriptions to count), books,of course. My son started reading at 3 with baseball cards. I was offered an old Kindle...hmmmm, thank you,no.
Nothing, I say NOTHING, can replace a book in your hand. I was excited to find this widget on Sherry Truitt's wonderful blog.

Wonderful! Thanks, Sherry...we're on the same page.

And all of the above is why I am always making bookmarks...shameless self promotion...well, it is my blog!

Oh, and to reduce that book collection and get new ones in return? www.PaperbackSwap.com, which is paperbacks and hardcovers...a win~win trade.

It's all about ME and a few others!

2010-06-07T08:31:00.010-04:00

Lucky me....I was blogged about two times in two days!
Wonderful Judy from Portable Graffiti Graphics
wrote a wonderful blog post about reading and her purchase from me. I have purchased from Judy's graphics shop

and her PortableGraffiti button shop. Two purchases and very pleased.
We definitely are new best pals! I love another of her shops
Wild Goose Chase for all things vintage.

Heather from NiftyKnits is an amazing creator of wonderful creatures like this:

Isn't that the cutest?!!!
She has been writing about fellow Zibbeters and included me.
I love the name of her blog So much yarn,so little time.... that is definitely a feeling of mine.
Thank you Judy and Heather...HUGS♥

The Beach!

2010-05-31T10:32:00.010-04:00

The beach....why do I love an oceanside beach? I am not a swimmer of note and although I have been to many beaches in different states and countries, I am a bit chicken in the water. But I love the beach...the sounds, the textures, the smells, the feelings, the treasures. I love shells and rocks and all the foods associated with the beach. (I hate what the humidity does to my hair, but that's another post.)I love the sunrises or sunsets, depending on the beach. There's such vitality and life to a beach and yet such calmness and serenity. My heart is breaking for all the coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico where there are some of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Those areas are changed forever.
But I digress...I live at least 3 1/2 hours from a beach and without premeditated thought, I wound up creating some things this weekend to bring the beach closer to me....or anyone else who loves the beach & can't get there as often as they'd like. Or for anyone who wants a remembrance of a beach trip. Or for any lucky souls who can step outside their door and breathe in the salt air....ahhhh!

Pretzels and Baseball

2010-05-21T20:43:00.008-04:00

I love soft pretzels and I love baseball...there, it's out in the open! I was thilled when we discovered soft big, NY style pretzels at the Little League complex. I got one every game we went to and the big boy's team won.
This was quite the week of baseball. The boys each had end of season games and the big one and his team were in the playoffs. Now this is my 2nd time around in Little League and I just don't recall such nail biters! First game was Wednesday and I had my pretzel. Our side was winning with a serious threat at the end by the other team. We pulled through.
Thursday we were to play against a team we (sure,'WE', like I play!) had seriously trounced a few weeks ago. Starting off with a serious deficit, our guys were creeping back and the coaches decided to go extra innings. We crept, they strutted, we trotted, they ran. Ultimately, we lost but it was fairly close. I was so proud of the boys-no thrown bats, no tears, no foot stomping except, well, maybe a little by one of the coaches. Obviously disappointed when his world series dreams were squashed. Even men in big bodies have little boy dreams. And as the mother of the coach, I remember them well.
Oh, and Thursday night, they ran out of pretzels.....hmmmm!

Why I'm Not Creating This Weekend....

2010-05-15T20:08:00.000-04:00

Imperfect Perfection

2010-05-05T21:09:00.005-04:00

I ♥ handmade. I embroidered a piece that said so;

That piece sold and I decided to make another since I ♥ Handmade.

Well, this time I purposely off centered the words and had the last letters as if they were falling down and I left a thread hanging.
Handmade is not perfect. We've all had disasters, throw aways, rip outs, smudges, splashes, dropped stitches, broken wires, frayed threads, tears....I could go on and on. So this piece is not perfect but that is why I ♥ Handmade!

It just happens....

2010-04-28T15:11:00.002-04:00

The other day I went into the studio with the intent to clean up and put things away. First I cleared off my chair and a trio of cotton fabrics were there...hmmmm! One struck me as great colors (which is why I probably bought it in the first place!) and I started to think of how to use it. I wanted to do another hoop embroidery piece but this fabric isn't quite right for that. I put the fabric down and went back to cleaning up and a large piece of wide ribbon was stuck under a box....the exact colors of the fabric...hmmmm! I put the ribbon near the fabric and continued my boring clean up quest. And there-you guessed it!-was another ribbon with coordinating colors. Someone telling me something? Finally, I gave in, sat down (the chair was cleared) and here's the result, totally unplanned, unintended and I think,unusual. And no, I never finished cleaning...maybe later!

Great Advertising Opportunity

2010-04-24T15:34:00.002-04:00

Gain exposure for your handmade shop with Indiesmiles Ads! They are SUPER affordable and there are several options so you can't go wrong.

Some of the options include:

Listing your discount codes in the discounts directory ($2 for a text link or $4 for a picture link)
Have a 125x125 image on every page of Indiesmiles! This is only $12 for two weeks or $20 for the month (that's less than a dollar a day!)
FREE ADVERTISING - Indiesmiles offers free advertising for any shops that are donating $100 of the profits to an animal organization
Sponsor articles by placing a link to your shop, blog or website for only $2! This is a great way to use target marketing on articles that your potential buyers would be interested in!
Head over to the Advertising page of Indiesmiles to get more details and gain more exposure for your shop!

P.S. Here's a secret deal that's going on right now: 1/2 price promo on the sidebar of Indiesmiles, only $6.00 for two weeks! Just email Indiesmiles@gmail.com to snag this secret deal before everyone else does!

Blue,Purple and a touch of Pink

2010-04-11T17:17:00.010-04:00

Part of my garden...so far!

Down Time in Selling

2010-04-06T18:09:00.005-04:00

Down time...a pause....a lapse...a quiet period? All of the above and what to do about it is the real question. I was wonderfully busy saleswise in January and February and became wiped off the internet map during March. Fortunately I had the earlier mentioned shows in March to keep me busy and now it's April and soooooooo quiet. So I am using my time to promote online. I've reorganized my studio. I've inventoried my yarn stash (too much!) and bought new containers for paper. Fortunately, the weather has turned and I've spent time outdoors and love the way the garden is developing. I'm writing a new article for indiesmiles and upping my presence there. I'm reading and commenting on other blogs. I've read 3 books (a must read "The Book Thief") and am now concentrating on a custom shawl from a wonderful customer in California.
So as you can see, although selling is the goal, there's much more to life and I'm looking productively at the selling down time. The guys at the Post Office may miss me but I'm getting alot done. Do you think I should inventory this? Nah!!

Why I Love Zibbet

2010-03-27T21:11:00.003-04:00

This letter is being reprinted with permission.

Hi guys,

I just wanted to quickly jump in here to add my two cents worth to what has been a pretty hectic week here at Zibbet, and apparently an 'interesting' one at Etsy.
I just wanted you guys to be able to get a bit of a philosophical feel for how Jonathan and I and our team like to run our organisation.
I figure if people are going to have the opportunity to trust us, then it will require communication and getting to know one another a bit more.
So in that vein I'd like to list a few of our beliefs and values concerning how we would like to see Zibbet move forward as it grows bigger.

1. I want to say very emphatically that here at Z we are not in the business of bagging other venues. Whether they are better or worse than Z, we are not here to cast a shadow on what they do. Especially in light of events this week, let me say we are not interested in tearing down Etsy. We have a lot of respect for Etsy and what they have achieved and there is lots that we can learn from them.
2. Our leadership of Zibbet will not always be perfect, because as humans, we are imperfect. However, we will always endeavour to give our very best effort for the marketplace we have created and those who choose to belong to it. We will make mistakes, but we will never stop trying not to.
3. We will always seek to maintain the highest level of communication with our members as possible. This is motivated by the genuine desire to make Zibbet the best selling venue it possibly can be for your sake. We will always try to be available to our sellers by answering questions, listening to concerns or ideas and generally just being available to personally contribute to peoples' needs. Even as we grow very big, Jonathan and I plan to stay heavily involved in communicating directly with as many sellers as we possibly can. We know this will stretch us, but we are committed to it.
4. Common courtesy is a passion of ours so this will continue to dictate our behaviors and the way in which we interact with you. We believe if someone asks a question they deserve an answer. If we make a mistake, we will own it and apologise. We aim to treat every person with respect. We know we will probably not be able to please everyone, but we will not engage in the practice of 'simply writing people off' because they are upset about something.

All of this may sound lofty or overly romantic and nostalgic, but it is the truthful reality of our desire going forward.
Please feel free to quote or copy and paste these comments in any of your communication with others.
If we work together, we can build one of the greatest online selling venues of all time.
A few thoughts from me, for what it's worth.

Andrew

Learn more about this great site at zibbet.ning.com

The Shows

2010-03-23T17:27:00.004-04:00

I can rant, and have, to close friends about what the fairs were like but I'm over it! The shows were okay, PERIOD!!!! Not great,not awful, disappointing.
Since they were 2 different shows in a row, inventory was a pre-show concern. One always thinks, what happens if I sell out? Let me have that problem...please! Anyway, I learned a little, laughed alot and had bones that hurt that I didn't know could. It's done. Back to online promotion and maybe a sale from one of the dozens that took a business card-easily 75-100 cards were taken. Maybe I should charge for them? Just kidding. Big hugs to my DH for his great sportsmanship and companionship.
Interestingly, again, the most popular items were the magnetic bookmarks which barely move online. Sold about 16-17. I have more to list like these.

I have agita........

2010-03-18T18:52:00.003-04:00

Agita to me is that gnawing,anxious feeling inside when you don't know quite what to expect in the future. Unsettling.
I have not one, but 2 craft shows this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. I'm flattered that I was 'invited' to both but.....will they like me? Will my things sell? Will I hear "Now I know what to do with my box of buttons?" Will my DH be bored to tears and desert me? Will I bring enough change? Will there be people I should know but forgot their names? Will there be people I don't want to see? Will it be cool or warm? Will my back break from standing?
UGH....too many 'ifs'.
Everything is tagged and priced and looked over for flaws and packed. I have all the equipment and paper and tissue and tape and and and..........
So why am I doing this if it makes me crazed?
Well, I spelled it out below and I want to share. And a few cents won't hurt!

Check out this shop...

2010-03-09T19:42:00.001-05:00

Kandi-o Designs.. creations by Kandace... truly unique and a style of their own! Kandace also has a shop called Cap It! More unique designs for you!
You can find Kandace At:

Shop URL
Etsy Shop
2nd Shop URL
Madeitmyself Shop
Website URL
Blog URL

2010-03-04T17:39:00.002-05:00

In less than one day, over 149 views and 8 hearts on Etsy and who knows how many views on Zibbet and no sale? I'm befuddled! Someimes I think I understand NOTHING about on-line selling but I do love making stuff!

Julia Hutchins design spot.......

2010-03-02T10:56:00.002-05:00

Soft,gentle and feminine pieces. Just so pretty. Love the heart dangles!

This week's Featured Artisan on Share the Love is Julia Hutchins Designs. Julia creates beautiful treasures! Stop by and see them all!

Shop URL
http://juhutch.artfire.com
2nd Shop URL
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/juliahutchinsdesigns
3rd Shop URL
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=18953
Website URL
http://www.juliahutchins.com
Blog URL
http://www.juliahutchins.com/blog1

Featured seller

2010-02-25T21:10:00.001-05:00

Love Gabs Bags!!! Go look...

Gabrielle is the owner/designer behind Gabs Bags! Beautiful and orignal fashion creations! You can find Gabs Bags at:

Shop URL
http://GabsBags.artfire.com
2nd Shop URL
http://gabsbags.etsy.com
Website URL
http://gabsbags.ning.com/
Blog URL
http://www.apassionforbags.com

2010-02-21T16:45:00.004-05:00

Woke up to the picture above last week. Yes, it's beautiful but it was so cold and this is SOUTH Carolina. Today it is 72...and DH is complaing he doesn't feel great. How can you with 30-40degree temperature swings? So I will don my nursemaid hat and tend to his moans and groans....after I finish the 4th and 5th of the 5 dog sweaters that were ordered this week. Why didn't I think of this at the start of winter,instead of at the end?!

2010-02-16T16:02:00.002-05:00

Another wonderful jewelry artist. Do check her sites!

This weeks Featured Artisan is Julie from Creations with Heart! Beautiful creations made by a beautiful lady!

You can find Creations with Heart at:

http://creationswithheart.artfire.com
http://creationswithheart.etsy.com
http://creationswithheart.com
http://creationswithheart.blogspot.com

Frankie

2010-02-11T15:33:00.005-05:00

Well, the sweater I made for Frankie from the Feb. 4 post arrived in Massachusetts and fit. Toooooo cute!

Chrysalis Designs

2010-02-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

I'm proud and pleased to share the unique and versatile work of Chrysalis Designs.

This weeks Featured Artisan is Chrysalis Designs - owner/designer is Regina McDonald. Gina also has a shop call T.A.I.S.I. on Madeitmyself. She does beautiful work and her T.A.I.S.I. shop 40% goes to the Refuge House in Florida.

You can find Chrysalis Designs at:

http://chrysalisdesigns.artfire.com
http://madeitmyself.com/user/chrysalisdesigns.aspx
http://www.narvla.com/bRegina-McDonald_b-_brChattahoochee-FL/products/127/
http://chrysalisdesigns.blogspot.com

You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook!

A sunflower on a dreary day...

2010-02-06T11:44:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much to Creations With Heart for my blog award. So sweet! I'm passing one on to Anne from MadeForMeByOaklie who works tirelessly for crafters.

Had to share........

2010-02-04T15:48:00.005-05:00

This little guy is cold in Massachusetts so I'm making him a sweater. Maybe he'd rather one of paper?!

Another wonderful seller.....

2010-02-01T18:59:00.001-05:00

Sara from Creative Minds is this weeks Share the Love Featured Artisan
Shop URL
http://www.creativeminds2009.etsy.com
2nd Shop URL
http://www.CreativeMinds.artfire.com
Website URL
http://www.creative-minds.biz
Blog URL
http://www.creativemindscrafts.blogspot.com

Dumb.....!

2010-01-27T16:13:00.008-05:00

I am always on the look out for new bases to convert into clocks. I often use plates like this one:

And I have made many with discarded CDs like these:

I've used trays and baskets as well. Two weeks ago DH & I were wandering in a "junk" store. Now it wasn't junk as in garbage, but just a bit of everything from art to lamps to dog food and spaghetti strainers. You never know what you'll find. I found wood plaques with great,whimsical pictures on them and said "Clocks". I bought 2 and almost immediately wished I got more since the price was more than great! Went home, made the clocks, listed and yes, sold immediately. So I thought to go back and get some more. Mind you when I was there the 1st time, there were dozens. This store is easily the size of a football field so I walked and walked and walked until I finally found 3, just 3 left and not the adorable ones I bought which are here:

The lesson in this story: When you see it, stock up!!!

2010-01-25T12:03:00.001-05:00

Very pretty work...check it out!

This weeks featured artisan is Cathy - owner of Caty Ann's Creations. Cathy lives in NW Ohio. She has been creating jewelry for about 6 years for herself and family members. Each of her pieces are unique. Stop by and see them all! You can find Caty Ann's Creations here:

Artfire Shop - http://catyann.artfire.com
Ecrater Shop - http://.catyanns.ecrater.com
Zibbet Shop - http://.zibbet.com/catyann

Caty Ann's Blog - http://catyannscreations.blogspot.com

2010-01-18T11:23:00.001-05:00

This weeks featured artisan is Tracy - owner of Braggin' Rights Bath. This is her new venue... wonderful yummy bath products..Tracy also has a shop called
Braggin' Rights filled with wonderful handmade gifts. You can find Tracy at:

MadeitMyself
Artfire
Etsy

She also has 2 blogs... Uses for Stuff Braggin Rights Finds

Stop by and see all her wonderful creations!!
She has a right to brag. Her items are wonderful.

Phew!

2010-01-15T19:21:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe it is the 15th day of 2010. It is flying by and by the way, is it twenty-ten or two thousand ten? Do I care?
Not really. Just hoping and trying to make this year better than last.
I had a special order for an ill customer in California. She has not responded to e-mails or to the posted items in over a week. Here's a glitch in this cyber world...how do I contact her other than e-mail or through her shops? I do not care about the order but am concerned about her health. I have tried to find a phone number but haven't had success. I think I will send a note to her husband (don't even know his first name!) and try to find out if she's okay. I'm sad to think she's spending the first 15 days of 2010 ill. They're not flying for her, that's for sure.
Feel better, Jenn and my (((hugs))) go out to you. ♥

"Share the Love - Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan"

2010-01-02T15:04:00.006-05:00

Anne, of Made For Me by Oaklie is not only a talented designer with several online shops but also the driving force behind several online promotion sites, particularly
OnFireForHandmade. She is incredibly helpful and generous and also helped me solve a sticky issue with MadeItMyself for which I am indebted! Starting this week, shops from the OnFire site will be highlighted. Take a wander into their shops...you'll be pleased you did!

MADE FOR ME BY OAKLIE - Handmade Fashion Scarves and Accessories
http://madeformebyoaklie.com
Shops:
MadeitMyself
Artfire
Etsy
Zibbet

2010-01-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

Warm Fuzzies

2009-12-21T15:04:00.006-05:00

Many think about extending themselves at this time of year when in actuality it should be 365 days a year. I try to do my thing personally and professionally and it came back to me last week. I was browsing Zibbet and noticed some interesting crochet patterns and you know I've been trying my hand at crochet so I purchased one. It turns out this seller,Stitchin' Designs, was at that minute setting up her shop so I was thrilled to welcome her with a sale. I tried the pattern and realized I was a tad off....okay, alot off, and so I e-mailed a question. Not only did she answer promptly but sent me two more patterns to try for FREE!!!! How cool is that? Check out Stitchin' Designs for some cool patterns, helpful advice and great service.
Meanwhile, I made these, not Stitchin's pattern though. They are very warm and snuggly. The brown are for women with the buttons, for men without. The multicolored ones are extra long for warmth up the arm.

The Sales Curse

2009-12-03T19:13:00.006-05:00

A few months after I started on Etsy, I decided to post a shadow box I had made which had been hanging in my bedroom. I actually put a fairly high price on it, not being well versed in the art yet. Literally 15 minutes later it sold. Hmmmmmmmm.... I went out, bought the materials for 2-3 more, made them, posted them and there they sat.
Last year I saw something in a catalog I thought I could reproduce better. I did. It enabled me to use the vast majority of mini chairs that I had collected. The finished product elicited raves from family and friends so I posted them. Have you guessed yet? They sat.
I have made dozens of magnetic bookmarks which sell in real life 10 to 1 as opposed to online. Why?
Today I posted a pair of handwarmers made from an upcycled sweater with crochet trim...an experiment for me. One hour later they sold. So the questions begs...do I make more? Or do I not press my luck?!

November?

2009-11-29T10:19:00.004-05:00

Okay, so today is November 29th and the month is over and I've been gone from my blog for 22 days. Where was I? Fortunately I had a veritable blitz of special orders that kept me knitting and sewing. I mean, over 9 knitted pieces and 6 embroidery. Wonderful! If not for them, the month, sales wise would have been uneventful. Etsy is getting heavier and deeper and so hard to be seen. I love Zibbet for it's freshness and clean appearance. I'm keeping both going for now. We'll see if anything happens tomorrow, Cyber Monday. I along with a bazillion others have a sale going but who knows? I think my prices are so reasonable,if not cheap, a sale can hurt. We'll see.
So to all my bloggy friends, hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and your holiday season is productive, fruitful and calm.

Art & Craft Fairs

2009-11-07T20:40:00.009-05:00

I have close friends who are dealers of antiques that are quite pricey by most standards. I have been privy to their ups and downs for years and I ache for them when a show is a bust & applaud with them when they have success. The hauling of heavy goods, the endurance of long hours, the muddy field or the cold concrete floors have been chapters in their lives forever. Irregular, unpredictable, and very hard work.
For the rare times I do shows, I think of them & I ache more for them with the preparation, the set-up, the anxiety, the boredom, the cost and on and on. I don't think the general public appreciates the before,during and after effort that is necessary for craft fairs and shows.
I did a local show today and was quite pleased with the results though we are exhausted. It's nice to know that some really care about my work & that their purchase of it supports my dream. To them I say "THANK YOU".
For those that say "Oh, now I know what to do with Grandma's buttons" or "How cute, how clever, I'll have to try that at home" , I say be my guest, do it, try it and call me when you're trying to sell it and I'll come look, and touch, and measure and comment under my breath "Hmph, I could do that".

Stash Scarf

2009-10-26T21:37:00.005-04:00

The other day one of my yarn bins flipped over and spilled the neatly placed contents...ugh! A tangled mess. I decided to grab a few balls and see what type of scarf to create. I had the beginnings of a pattern but really winged it by just picking out the largest balls in 4 coordinating colors. It's knit lengthwise so it was about 150 stitches on large needles but only 10 rows so it didn't take all that long. It came in measuring almost 6 feet. Very soft!

Oh, and yes, I still have the crud...cannot shake it. Any suggestions other than shooting myself will be gratefully considered!

Road Trip

2009-10-19T19:25:00.003-04:00

We were worried about our NY trip since we were exposed to the H1N1 flu even though we got 10 day doses of Tamiflu. I kept starting to feel sick but it never came. Despite awful, cold, rainy weather we did have fun until the next to last leg home. A five hour stretch took 8 hours and 12 minutes but who's counting......ugh!
Anyway, we got home Saturday afternoon to a fairly clean house, loads of laundry, 5 special order requests AND disease... I am sicker than I've been in years. Better not start the special orders in case I infect them! It's not the flu, just a first class, miserable cold/sinus number and I plan on staying close to my pillow all day tomorrow.

IndieSmiles

2009-10-08T15:42:00.004-04:00

Indie Smiles is a neat website run by 2 terrific gals who love to promote independent artists and crafters. To quote them "Indiesmiles is a one stop shopping source of online Indie shops at a discount! Here, you can discover new and emerging talent while shopping around for that perfect gift or unique item for yourself WHILE finding the best indie deals out there."
I was involved with them awhile back in a coupon promotion and now I'm a columnist! I think I've been selling online long enough to offer a bit of wisdom/advice. I certainly read alot, trying to learn more about the web. My first article is Packaging On A Dime and it's all about well, packaging! It was funny because before actual submission, I had to cut the number of words as I had too many. When it was edited what they put in was what I cut! So I guess Sue, El and I are on the same page. Also visit riricreations -her photo accompanies the article.
But before you go look at these my first sale on Zibbet!

It's Done!!!!

2009-10-03T16:35:00.005-04:00

Back on August 20th, I wrote about my attempt at a crocheted afghan. I finished! It is larger than I first planned and naturally took more yarn than I anticipated and in fact, I have 2 odd squares left over. It's been complete for about a week now so one month doesn't seem like too terribly long. I did not repeat a color either in the vertical or horizontal row so that took some planning. I actually think the piecing together took as long as the crocheting but I am pleased and so is DH. It is really for his chair IF and when it ever gets cold. An afghan in South Carolina does seem a bit odd but we do have a day or two of chilly weather so now we're ready!

Double Duty

2009-09-29T14:17:00.005-04:00

I went up to the studio to find a button for a coffee cup cuff (say that 3 times fast!) that I just finished crocheting. After I found the perfect one, and vintage at that, I had alot to carry downstairs so I absent mindedly put the cuff on my wrist. Hmmmm!!! Looked pretty darn good and even DH noticed. So the coffee cup cuff is now also a wrist cuff. I'm sure I'm not the first to discover this phenomenon-I'm getting carried away- but I think it's pretty cool~put the cuff on your coffee and when you're finished drinking, then wear it. Just don't throw it away!

Keep 'em comin'!!!!

2009-09-19T19:24:00.004-04:00

End of a great week~sales wise. A few on etsy, re-order from a store and 4 semi-biggies in real life. My question, nagging thought....how do you sell something online that is "so much better in person"? If I hear that one more time....aarrrgghhh!
It's particularly regarding my magnetic bookmarks. Everyone who sees them in person flips for them and it can almost be said that they're selling like hotcakes-offline. Online, my one sale, and yes, it was huge, but still only amounts to one sale. I have a friend coming on Monday who wants a dozen, 12, after I gifted one to her. Well, I'll keep plugging and hope that next week is equal to this week.

A New Item

2009-09-14T20:43:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago I was lurking in the etsy forums and a shop owner, RareDaisyJewelry was asking about promo matchbook pads. I 'aggressively' convoed her and subsequently she ordered 25 pads and stickers and was thrilled with the order. She suggested I sell them in my shop. Well, I do have a ton of paper so I made up some more and listed them. I have sold them offline and continue to do so and now they're up for grabs on etsy. And who bought one of the batches today? RareDaisyJewelry!!!
Thank you, RareDaisyJewelry, for the orders and giving me a push in another direction and lightening my paper load! Visit her shop~beautiful designs!

WOW!!!

2009-09-01T19:21:00.005-04:00

I have been on ETSY for almost 3 years and have never been a featured seller or on the front page. But Zibbet likes me, they really like me (Thank you Sally Field!)
Look here for my clock in the middle and then scoll down. Whoo Hoo!!! Doing a happy cha-cha-cha! I ♥ Zibbet! By the way, if you join Zibbet and mention my name we both benefit. It is a great site.

Zibbet

2009-08-30T17:51:00.006-04:00

Just opened a shop on a new site called Zibbet.
Wish I could spread my body as thin as I'm spreading my name/buttons/knitting/clocks etc. But I thought I'd give this a try. Clean, easy to work with and the owners actually respond to questions within 24 hours. Even though I'm staying, I'm just not so thrilled with etsy lately. Bad vibes and so much attitude. For $.20 people just want the moon and back! Go peddle your things on the street!
Anyway, I have gotten a nice order from a shop in town and another wants a meeting so as I'm crossing my fingers as I'm gluing and laminating. Except for a big special order, my magnetic bookmarks are not selling online. Off-line, I'm blowing them out. I don't know why since touch and texture aren't a factor. Who knows? Maybe people who shop on line don't read? Well, they're missing out on alot!!! Here are a few.

Needle Arts

2009-08-20T11:10:00.006-04:00

I can knit. I'm not an expert but maybe an advanced intermediate. I do needlepoint & bargello and I must say I do it well! I can embroider. I can sew a hem and attach a button. I even know how (or knew how)to do tatting and hoop lace. But crochet is old/new to me. My maternal grandmother crocheted with a needle as fine as a hair and thread the same but crocheting was never my thing. I can do the stitches but cannot follow/read directions. Under expert instruction I was able to create many pieces eons ago but with no one around these days I'm left to my own devices. I bought a book called "Crochet for Kids" and it is a huge help so I've ventured into a few pieces and am generally pleased. Now I have embarked on an afghan for my home, not for sale. It took 4 tries to get the squares correct and I am enjoying the portability of it. I'm not sure of the best way to put it together but I have time to seek out help. I have about 20 more squares to complete and I will show it off IF I like it. If not, well, anyone who needs a dog blanket may apply!
Here is a trio of my basic stitch endeavors.

The Beach

2009-08-11T14:52:00.004-04:00

I grew up one street off a beautiful beach in the New York City area. I spent tons of great summers as an adult on Cape Cod in Massachussetts. I moved to South Carolina, 4+ hours from the beach with my DH who doesn't give a hoot about sand between his toes. How did this happen?! Last week, we went to visit friends who live outside of Hilton Head and we finally got to the beach. Honestly,after 2 1/2 hours I was ready to leave since I'm not used to it and it was 96 BUT it was fabulous. I had to take a picture to prove I was there! Those are my feet below and our friends above. And yes, I did knit on the beach! It was glorious....♥