Thursday, December 30, 2010

Retro Indie Market

With the chaos of the Christmas season over, I finally have time to concentrate on getting ready for my first craft show! What's that you say? I hadn't mentioned it yet? Well, peep it:



Isn't that the cutest flyer? Leads me to believe the whole event will be adorable. But do you see that date? I only have a little over a month to get everything ready, which might sound like a long time but really isn't. I have to get everything from business cards to merchandise to display items ready and while I'm crazy with excitement I'm also super anxious. It's my very first time presenting my items to the public in person and I want to put my bestest foot forward and have everything be as perfect as possible. To keep in theme with the event I'm also happy that I get to create more items that reflect my love of the retro-inspired and have ideas for bookmarkers, hair accessories, and even wallets! I just hope they work out as well in execution as they do in my imagination.

So, with all I have going on, it is absolute perfect timing that I have some new toys to play with.

Crafter's Little Helper

Makes everything from laminations to stickers to magnets - what?!
The Dremel was a Christmas gift and one I have been not-too-subtly-dropping-hints-for for AGES. The Xyron 505 Laminator is an outdated version of the Xyron Creative Station and a total STEAL at $12.00 on eBay. I love finding a good bargain! Luckily, it still uses the new cartridges available for the current version - though each one costs more than my laminator did. Still, I'm excited and have some big PLANS for these little guys. 

Monday, December 6, 2010

It MUST Be That Time Of Year...

... 'cause I've been making sales! Most popular item in the shop?

Owl Cuff!
I've already sold three of these suckers and I just listed them on Friday! Also popular, special order beanies! I've been knitting non-stop since Monday and just finished up the last beanie. Now I just have to make a scarf and that package can go out.

Also, I participated in my first trade! Have you guys traded on Etsy before? I hadn't. I got a convo from someone saying they loved a particular beanie of mine and would I be interested in trading for something in their shop. Would I?! Yeah! Not only was I able to trade for TWO of their items, but I was able to get one personalized. All for the cost of my beanie and the 0.20 listing fee. Totally worth it! I didn't know people traded on Etsy at all - but I LIKE it. I think I'd feel a little weird initiating a trade at this point 'cause what if they don't like my items? And their reaction is "how 'bout you just give me the cash, you tight wad?" But I'm all for people trading with me!

So busy, busy! And happy. It's still only paying off in small bits right now but I know it'll just keep growing, growing! My house is a mess, my crafting is spread out in every available space, I work way too late into the night, and my wrist keeps threatening to walk out on me, but I love it. I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Dear Blog,

I'm sorry I've been neglecting you. Really, I didn't mean for it to happen. And, yet, here we are - nearly a month since I last laid eyes on you. I'm truly sorry. No - don't look at me that way! Yes, alright, there is someone else...well, three others. I've been spending a lot of time with them and it just hasn't allowed me any time for you. But I promise I've missed you! They're not anything like you! One of them always cuts me off, she won't let me go on and on and on like you let me. She limits me! You would never do that to me. The other, well, she KNOWS people. It can be kind of lonely with you sometimes and I cave in. I like to socialize occasionally - so shoot me! And the last one.....pays me - I know, I'm a whore! I'm ashamed just saying it. I can't help it - it's nice to be know your worth sometimes! I can't lie - I'm not gonna stop seeing them. But I don't want to lose you! I won't give you up! I'm selfish, I want it all! Maybe we can find a way to all work together? Huh? How 'bout it? Whatta ya say?

Love,
Me

P.S. Could I possibly win you over with pretty pictures of what I've been working on when I was ignoring them, too? That wasn't worded well. Nevermind. Just.....here. I'd like you to have these.