Ark's Endeavors

Slacking And Waiting

2011-08-02T10:04:00.001-07:00

Slacking, something I excel at! I know last week (?) I was talking about putting new styles up at discounted prices. Well I started by discounting certain ones in my shop first, I had pictures taken of all the new ones too so there's not a ton left to do besides listing. Well that's where the problem comes in! It's so easy but I hate it sometimes, I'm not 100% happy with my photos since I don't have my regular set up and computer where I edit the photos. I'm going to blame that on the fact that I'm not getting them on. It also doesn't help I've been working a lot more at my other job because they let one of the girls go and didn't have a replacement.
Another thing holding me back is working on the house. Not sure if I told you or not but we didn't close on the 1st :( so now I have to wait until they get everything all together and then we can close. The good news is they let me in early and I started cleaning and prepping for painting and sanding the floors so hopefully it won't take to long after I do move in. We will see. Wish me luck!!
I should have some photos of my thrifting goodies up soon so keep an eye out!

Out with the old in with the new!

2011-07-26T15:38:00.001-07:00

That's always seemed to be a good motto to live by.
I recently found out the supplier I use for certain plugs will be discontinuing a lot of styles I use. I am taking this opprotunity to revamp my shop. I have already started to discount the styles that will no longer be carried and may even discount them more in the future depending on how fast they go. Once moved into the new place I'm going to focus on many new styles of plugs that have been lurking in my head for quite some time now.
Go check out what I have and see what's on sale! I will also be adding a bunch more within the next couple of days (hopefully along with some new vintage goodies!).
It's looking like August is going to be a SALE MONTH! Who knows what I'll uncover and want to sell once I unpack my trailer.

Ever wonder where old home movies on reels go???

2011-07-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

I BUY THEM!!! I got a ton of goodies today including some old home movies on reels, some owls, film canisters, seahorses and a ton more! It was raining when I went out to the estate sales so not as many people were out at them (it was perfect!). I'll probably be running around all day tomorrow going to more but heres a peek at some of my goodies I got today

2011-07-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, my blog needs a massive facelift along with my etsy. I have been meaning to do this for quite sometime but never got around to it.

Living with my parents at the moment is...well frustrating to say the least.
I have a tiny space in the garage where I do my work and it seems to be getting smaller and smaller with each week while someone (usually one of my brothers) puts things on or near my work space or parks a golf cart closer and closer to it. I really should have rented out a studio this month! But there's not much longer until we have our own place so I can manage.

There has been a nice heat wave going through our area this week too. I am actually enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. I have been riding bikes A LOT more than I used to and it's great, I'm trying to get toned up and be a little healthier than I used to be.

I've also been looking at paint colors for the new place! It's so close and once we get in the cleaning, painting and sanding will begin and I want to be prepared.

My camera is down at the moment and I still have to make a new photobox (waiting on the supplies to show for cheap or free, I'm planning on making an awesome heavy duty one) so nothing new to show you at the moment except for what I had photographed before I moved out of my apartment, those will be going up today!

Some other shop news is about my plugs. I will be discontinuing certain styles because the supplies will no longer be avalible to me, good thing I stocked up! I will be having a very large plug sale in Aug I'm juist not positive when yet (depends when I get the house all set up and moved in). With that news I will leave you with a photo of one of my new items!

Great News!!!

2011-06-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know I haven't been on here lately, I blame the craziness that has been going on all around me! I almost have everything packed and ready to move. My apartment is full of boxes, it's depressing. We haven't been home a lot except to sleep (one of the reasons being that my apartment is so depressing!) Milo has play groups throughout the week and that gets us up super early! Then it's a lot of running around, cleaning the new place, packing and cleaning up the old place (finally shampooed the carpets! Almost in move out condition).
I have some super fantastic news!!! I got a house! It's amazing too this is the first and only one where I'm not nervous about buying. With all the other houses it just didn't feel right and this one defiantly does! It does need a new roof but I think we will wait until next year for that other than that it needs a super cleaning and paint. It's a 2 bedroom and 900 square feet so a good size, walk up attic and 1.5 bath (with the other bathroom being in the basement). The garage is AMAZING! It's insane and I believe I'm going to be doing a lot of upholstery in there. Everything is locked in so it's mine for sure!! And the neighborhood is soooo nice! We won't be closing until August 1st so that's a bummer but it will be worth it. Because of this awesome news I am having a sale in my shop! 35% off everything!! Not sure how long it will be on so if you've been eying something grab it now!

2011-06-07T09:50:00.001-07:00

Still house hunting. Either I'm to cheap or the banks are dumb...I'm going with the banks are dumb.
Prices are still going down and there's more and more houses coming on and they think putting a house (that's super run down and possibly won't be able to qualify for a loan) up for $50,000 is a good price. I understand they need to make their money back but I don't see how these houses will ever sell for anything above $25,000 and that's pushing it. I'm sure if I keep going I'll get a great deal but I've been in far to many houses! It's actually pretty interesting and with each house I get more of an idea of what I want (it changes periodically).
On a different note, we finally have awesome weather! Pretty sure we'll be going out on a trolly ride today if we get enough done beforehand. The boxes in my place keep piling up!!! And we're getting rid of more and more. I'll probably be ready to move by mid month.
Milo had his first T-ball game yesterday! They did way better than I expected them to, the last practice everyone was kind of all over the place :/ So we'll be working on grounders today too!
Lady has a vet appointment tomorrow. She's been having trouble using her litter box so I'm pretty sure she has a urinary track infection and hopefully that's it and she's just not being territorial (don't think that's it because she pees in random spots, her new one is the bathroom sink UGH!). We're also finally getting her spayed but that's on the 30th of this month, same day I have to be out of my apartment....lets just say this month is going to be insane.

Back Again???

2011-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm a jumble of emotions right now! This morning I was very excited and motivated...not so much anymore. Either way I had some great ideas this morning that I would love to get back to once I'm feeling a bit more up to it. Here's a few things I've been thinking of.
I need to keep a positive attitude on things! I'm good at putting up a front but when I get on here it seems like I'm bummed or complaining over half the time. THIS NEEDS TO CHANGE!! I'd rather tell you guys about the fun stuff and concentrate on that.

I need to do a makeover on my shop and update a lot of things (I'm sure my blog could also use a makeover but we'll work on the shop first).

I need to take more pictures!!! I recently replaced my point and shoot because it broke quite awhile ago. Pretty sure I've only used the new camera once or twice and I've had it a couple months. I def need to get more pictures of Milo and myself!

I think I'm putting a lot of grief on the whole house situation and it's very draining and frustrating and it's really getting to me lately. That and the fact that we have less than a month before we have to move now! I already started packing sometime ago and I'm continuing to do so little by little. I'm also trying to clear out old projects (or projects never even started!) it's going pretty good but then I'll see something new and want to do it but don't worry I'm keeping some self restraint! I'm going to try and keep things updated on here (again! Ugh maybe I need a calendar to remind me??). So check back soon! Possibly doing Friday Favorites in the very near future :D

Crazy Busy!

2011-04-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Whew this week/month/year has been way out there and I'm now just realizing it!
I have some bad news and some good news to share with you. Unfortunately the house I put an offer in on went into foreclosure this is both bad and good news, obviously I got my offer in to late but once it comes back on the market we're looking to put the offer in right away. In the meantime I'm still looking at other houses and have found a couple I like (with driveways!!!) I even put an offer in on one yesterday, even though I don't think I'll get it at the price I offered this gives me hope. I'm realizing more and more what I want and what is out there and there's a lot out there so I'm not going to sulk over one that I didn't get.
Right now I have a pink mushroom ottoman up in the shop on sale!!

I love making these guys but I don't have the room for them to take over my apartment.
I have quite a few new styles of plugs in my shop also and even some sales :D
Ever since the beginning of the year I've been non stop busy with orders, house hunting and thrifting. I love it and wouldn't change it one bit. There's a couple more projects I'm going to start on since I'm done with mushrooms at the moment so hopefully there will be some new items to share with you soon.
The weather is warming up and that means estate and rummage sales!!!

Not To Sound Like A Broken Record.....

2011-04-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

I know I repeat a lot of the issues I have quite frequently, sorry for that. But.....I really need to figure out how to deal with these things! It seems like I try one thing and it works for awhile and then I either give up, forget or it doesn't work out. Humph. Some of the things I can think of off the top of my head are
Organization! Ahhh this one has always been my enemy! It's getting better but I still have troubles with it.
Doing one project and finishing/sticking to it. Another MAJOR problem. There's soooo many things I start and don't finish or I'll start orders and then go do something else before I finish those and it messes everything up. Some things I'm working on right now-orders (obviously), more mushrooms (Milo won't let me sell the originals), screen printing (I've made many screens but haven't printed them on anything???? Whats up with that!?!) and getting back into sewing just to name a few.
What I think would help most is having a room for my work but the loft I live in is just like a huge hallway with nothing sectioned off. I loved it at first but man now does it suck! Even if I don't want to do work it's staring me in the face and I have to do it. Looking at more houses this week so maybe we'll eventually find something. I'm not sure if I had mentioned before that I put an offer in on one and we're still waiting to hear back about that (if we get it I will be sooooo happy!). Well off to do more work! Have a great weekend!

Wants Fulfilled!

2011-03-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

So I will admit I splurged a bit last night, well then again I don't know if I can really say splurge when I only spent $70. Any how last night I got my box of wine and sat down to order my glasses! I ended up getting 3 pairs and a pair of prescription sunglasses all for $60, can't beat that! I can't wait to get them but will have to wait 2-3 weeks :(
Pics to come when they come in the mail!

Things I Want

2011-03-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

Right at this exact moment there are a few things I would love to have and I can't decide if I should buy them or not with the possibility our offer on the house going through. I did just get my tax refund back and ALWAYS save it! I never spend it on myself so maybe this year should be different??? Or maybe not, ugh decisions decisions!
Anyway right now I would like

A box of wine!
Things have been....well I can't say hard but frustrating (I suppose) around here lately. I'm over thinking EVERYTHING and it's not doing me any good.

New glasses!
Last time I purchased glasses was a couple years ago from Zenni very very affordable cute glasses! I got two pairs (one that needs to be replaced after stepping on them) and would like more, maybe even some prescription sunglasses :D at $25 a pop I would like to get at least 4 pairs at the moment. That is a justifiable want and I may go ahead and get some....I do kind of need them to see :)

PLUGS!!!
Ahhhh I love love love purchasing new plugs! I recently traded with a fellow plug maker I received them yesterday and they're awesome! I will def be buying some in the near future when I reach my goal size! I would love to get some pairs from Omerica Organic also, there's 3-5 pairs I'm looking at right now. The only problem is I hate buying plugs when I'm stretching up :( and I don't want to purchase some in my goal size and later find out I don't want to go that big/that size doesn't look good on me so I'm downsizing. Soooo that may have to wait....maybe next year :(

Those are the few things on my mind at the moment. I believe I may go out for a box of wine within the next hour or so and possibly order some new glasses later today! What are some of wants???

New Facebook Page!

2011-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

I set up a new facebook page so I will actually get notifications whenever people comment on items or updates. That was one of the many things that I disliked about the fan pages, that and the fact that I was not able to receive messages. It's all set and ready to go! Please tell your friends! There will be special offers for Facebook fans only at times and one may be coming up soon :D
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100002248414397

2011-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Soooo I will be putting an offer on a house tomorrow!!! I've been having issues with financing and being self employed (ugh!!) so I'll have to put in a cash offer. It's a short sale and those usually take a bit longer so hopefully I can figure financing out if they accept the offer that way I won't be putting all my money into it right away and i can have some to fix it up a bit. Super exciting! Not sure if I'll get it but I'm actually doing it and step by step getting closer to buying a house! I'll still be looking at others of course but this one would be awesome. It needs a few repairs but nothing big. The roof, electric, plumbing and furnace are all good. There are a few little downfalls about it, first off it stinks! Whew the people that lived there before had larger dogs (there's evidence of it!) so it would have to be cleaned A LOT and the carpet could come out but there's hardwood floors underneath so that's not a problem at all. There's also no driveway or garage :( but one can be put in pretty easily. It has a cute little fenced in yard and a enclosed porch. I won't get my hopes up but just sayin it would be awesome if we did get it! Fingers crossed!!

2011-03-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Soooo many new things going on! We're actually starting to have decent weather (probably just jinxed myself there!) and new ideas are coming alive!

I'll start off with our house hunting. So far I've found two that were amazing and perfect for us, and they were both sold right after we looked at them :( so the hunt continues! The other day we ended up looking at 8 houses! One of which was filled with the previous owners crap and I was looking at that more than the house! They just throw it all out and there was some amazing stuff in there it made me sooo sad. After looking at 8 different houses all in totally different areas and all totally different in shape size etc. I'm starting to get a better feel for what we want/need. We did find a couple that we are going back to look at and one sticks out in my head as almost perfect except for the fact that there's no garage or driveway it's wonderful! I am also starting to get my pre-approval going after how many months of waiting on this and that. It's starting to look like we will be moving this summer!

Due to the fact that we are looking at houses I am trying to clear out a lot of stuff I no longer use or will not use in the very near future. We took a trip up to Mil yesterday and hung out with the fabulous Madam Chino. I was able to give her some of my fabric stash rather than just dropping it off at Value Village, I know she will appreciate it way more! She was also kind enough to give me a dress in exchange and it's beautiful! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pics of it up here soon!

Craft night is slowly turning back into craft night and I love it. The last one that I hosted only one person showed up but it was awesome! I worked on my mushrooms, she did book binding and we watched Mars Attacks, couldn't have gone any better. I am also making sure when I sit down at night and watch a movie that I always have something in my had to do!

Now for the grand finale! It ties in with basically everything I've mentioned so far 1. getting rid of stuff laying around the house so we have a lighter load when we move 2. craft night (due to the fact that it was my craft for craft night)

Super Mario World Mushrooms!

These are actually the second and third ones I made. The first has a home in my friends house (who got my mind rolling on this project). It was just a test one and made out of vinyl I had laying around. I love love love how they turned out! Now off to work soon! Have a great Sunday!

Pajama Day

2011-02-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

It's such an icky day out so we're staying inside and working on things around the house. I'm trying to get more items online but then something distracts me every now and then. I though I would share a few photos of my fancier plugs with you guys today :)

I updated my etsy avatar and still need to update my banner so slowly getting things together! Also looking into other websites so I can switch to my own, of course I'll still have my etsy! But I also want to focus on selling other jewelry at reasonable prices.

2011-02-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Still going through stuff and cleaning :)
I figured if I'm going to start it I might as well go all out and organize everything again. I am getting rid of tons of fabric, even some decent knit I never used to if anyone is in the southeastern part of WI and would like to take advantage of some free fabric send me an email at arksendeavors@yahoo.com
On the other hand I'm still holding onto some fabric I've had for at least 5 years!! Yeah I know it's kind of insane....not sure what I want to do with it but I need to do it soon so I'm giving myself a deadline for certain things. If I don't use it within the next month or so it's gone.
I am also looking at houses again (not sure if that was mentioned in any other posts) and would like to be out of my apartment by the end of my lease (July) so I def need to cut down on a lot since I really don't want to go through the hassel of moving tons and tons of crap again.
Wish me luck!!! Right now I'm at the point where I would like to get rid of 90% of my stuff and start over so if it comes down to it that may happen. I still need to get my vintage items on etsy and everything too. Ugh so much to do!

2011-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy late Valentines Day! Hope yours was as awesome as mine! Actually I didn't really do much of anything for v-day but I did get a special gift from a certain someone and it was totally unexpected :)

Right now I'm taking a little break from working. I'm going through one of my get rid of everything moods right now so there will be a bunch of new stuff in the shop for pretty cheap the next week or two (mostly vintage and some old stock plugs I just want to get rid of will be $7 a pair!).

I was also working on some new screens, last week I made some tiny ones (like 4x6 super cute!) that I wanted to put sizes on so I can screen sizes on my clothes rather than sewing in. The first go around of burning the screen was horrible and I had to wash them all out! Ugh and now one of them washed out already and one worked so fingers crossed the third will come out good. Now I understand far to well why some of my friends are very frustrated with screen printing at times!

Hopefully I will get some pictures up here very soon of things I have been working on. Have a good week!

Question

2011-02-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yay!!! Over 100 posts!

Okay now onto my questions for you lovely lady's that have etsy accounts and follow me. How the heck do you keep track of things?!?! I'm horrible at making logs and remembering who to contact about what. Do you have any special tips? I'm just now starting to write down etsy names and what they need/want to contact them back because I get so many convos during the week it's hard to go back and find them!
Am I the only one with this problem??? It's crazy overwhelming sometimes!

I also need to get on top of what size plugs sell more than others, it seems like I'm making an order to my tunnel supplier every two weeks! That leads to waiting for them to ship and paying for shipping. That and keeping other items in stock. After the blizzard the other day EVERYTHING was closed, I drove around like a mad woman because I wanted to get orders done but didn't have the correct supplies! Agh! I'm learning though.

Still looking into opening a brick and mortar store but I'm not the best at jumping head first into long term commitment things so we'll see. Not a problem though because I wouldn't want to start it up until late spring/early summer.

Hope you all have a great weekend! I'm off to have a sushi date tonight so that should start mine off great :)

SNNNOOOOWWWW!!!!

2011-02-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

Last night we got hit pretty bad. I stayed at my parents so we could just kind of bum around because I knew for a fact I would not be able to make it anywhere in the morning and this way Milo gets to play with his uncles. Here's a little view from my neighbor from downtown where my apartment is

It's pretty much like that everywhere. I'm going to try and relax today but I'm already feeling antsy and it's only 9:30am :/
Maybe we'll go hop out in the snow soon :) Then back to work!

Oops!

2011-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Okay so anyone that knows me knows I get a little out of control when I start certain projects. Maybe not the worst character flaw but def not good for the bank!

I've done it again! I was going on Jerrys Artarama (where' I've gotten screen printing ink before that I love!) just to check out prices and whatnot....well they had a 12% sale and free shipping on everything if you spent over a certain amount (I will not say what amount, it's not a ton but it's not cheap) AND IT ENDED TODAY!! So of course I had to get in on this and by things (even though they have these deals quite frequently).

Hopefully having all this stuff will get me to make more screens and use them! I hope I haven't gotten in over my head again but we shall see.

I'll never learn.

2011-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

Who can now add screen printing to one of their many crafty skills???? THIS GAL! I'm sooo happy I finally did it! Last night I also made some of my own screens with some fabric from Joann Fabrics and picture frames from Value Village so hopefully those will work out! If they do I'll have a pretty cheap way to make my own screens. Now just to finally put down all my ideas onto screens, that will take some time for sure. I did snap a few pictures for you guys, horrible pictures but you get the idea.

If I didn't have enough to worry about I found this little bugger on my eye today. It's from either yesterday or today. No puking, sneezing, coughing or anything else that happened in that time to cause it so I'm assuming it's from stress :/

Things that have been stressing me out lately in no specific order
-taxes
-court
-the weather (and hating how it makes me feel)
-relationship stress
-work
-appointments
-my wisdom tooth coming in and chipping one of my other teeth
To fix all this I'm taking a night off and having craft night at my place, it's been way to long since I've had it. And all together just not worrying about anything. We all need to step back sometimes and relax! I need to remember this more often. I even took off this Sunday from bartending so I'm really trying to make this work out to my benifit.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Nervous!!!

2011-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Waiting waiting waiting!!!

Obviously I'm waiting for something but what you ask?
I just burnt a screen! Using the sun because I don't have the right kind of lights :/
Hopefully I let it sit long enough. After reading a bunch of stuff on screen printing I though I had it figured out the emolusion was supposed to get a little darker but it really didn't so I moved a stencil over a tad bit and saw it was yellow underneath so I went and washed it out. Looks great! But looks can be deceiving, for some reason I don't think I let it sit long enough so I'm letting it dry in the sun and will test it out later.
Fingers crossed!

2011-01-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

MY 6th POST THIS YEAR AND IT'S STILL JANUARY! Hahaha I must say I am slightly happy about this (slightly being an understatement) maybe I'm blogging more because I haven't been to social in life lately??? Oh well.

Anyway I have a few pieces of good news. I'm not sure if I blogged about it a couple years ago when I bough oodles and oodles of screen printing supplies only to keep it for a year and sell it. About six months ago (actually probably more but I'll say 6 months to humor myself) I decided to give it a shot again and well...actually DO IT instead of letting it sit around. That got me nowhere. Last night I was sitting on the couch watching a movie after cutting up some patters and jumped into it! My screen is drying at the moment, fingers crossed I did everything right! And I am very excited about this but not excited enough to go out and buy tons of supplies again. For my first one I'm going to keep it simple and hopefully it goes well and isn't a discouraging disaster! I will keep you posted, I hope to have it all done by Friday :)

Some other good news is I have a few new shirt patterns and am going to jump back on the sewing bandwagon! I've been sooo busy with plugs lately I've been neglecting my sewing machines. My plug making station has even migrated to my sewing table :(
Expect some new clothes up in the shop! I will try my best to make same the same style in different sizes, something I've never done but need to! I know I have mostly had sz small and medium in shirts and I NEED to change that! I am also working on some more skirts.

One last thing! Again a couple years ago I wanted to open up a store in downtown Racine. I was thinking mostly handmade at the time but Racine isn't the best place for a store with only handmade things in it (I will admit this town is kind of cheap and sketchy at times). I looked at storefront prices and everything but was very discouraged and put it off. I am rethinking the idea and will be talking about it with a couple of close friends soon so it may be a possibility! Although I don't think it will just be handmade items. I'm thinking handmade/vintage/thrift but we'll see where we go from here. Right now it's just a matter of brainstorming.

This month has been super super hard but I'm trying to look on the bright side of things. Expect another post soon!

Packages!

2011-01-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

Packaging is a big part of selling online. So I was wondering how all you guys pack your items or how you like to receive packages when you purchase online.
Personally I am one of the people that don't really care because I basically buy supplies online and that's about it. But when I do splurge and buy something for myself I always get a little more excited when I see the colored tissue paper nicely wrapped around my new purchase (like a little present).
I have gone through many many different ways to package trying to figure out the best way that is both cost effective and beautiful. Some I will say weren't to great and if you received a poorly wrapped one I'm sorry :(
When I first started I would put my business card in a little baggie with the plugs and then in a bubble mailer, not to exciting. Then I had the great idea to add tissue paper and ribbon! But after receiving a package that was sent to a wrong address I realized this is not the best way. Going through all the machines at the post office made it look like a crumpled mess. After that I purchased little boxes and started doing it that way but then again receiving a bubble mailer with a white box....not to exciting. Ugh I couldn't win!
I recently was browsing on Uline and found the perfect little boxes!!!! They won't get crushed so the tissue paper will not crumple and they are the perfect size!
I took them to the post office and ran into some problems with a not so nice clerk stating that they are way to small, he can't fit anything on them blah blah blah. Very very discouraging! Even though they were less than 1/4" to small than a post card. So I'm just printing them out at home and guess what? The labels fit perfectly! I will be looking into boxes that are 1" bigger just to make the man happy and so I can send international packages the same way but talk about frustrating!
I will be putting up some pictures of the little guys soon, I'm so happy I found them! Hahaha sorry I get a little excited over little things.

New items will also be up in the shop soon! I found an AMAZING typewriter that I can't wait to show you guys!! I love photographing them :)

I will also be carrying plugs made with wood for those of you who dislike the steel. I personally can't wear steel to often in the winter because my ears freeze!!! They should be up in the shop within the next two weeks. Supplies will be limited until I know how much of a demand there will be for wood. They will also be $5 more.

Hope you guys have a great day!!!

Worn down

2011-01-14T07:21:00.001-08:00

Worn down, but still excited for new things. I think the weather is just getting to me, a lot.

I was able to get my vacuum chamber up a running but it's not working as well as I though it was :( The vacuum I bought has a broken gauge and doesn't pull as much as a vacuum as it's supposed to. It still works but takes a long time! I'm experimenting with a couple different methods that might make it work better but so far no luck (then again I have only used it a couple times).

This week was a load on me! It was Milo's birthday (along with my brothers) and a lot of other little things thrown in that I had to do. I think I just need to sit down and relax a bit, I wish I had a fireplace. For Milo's birthday we went bowling! It was a blast!!! And tonight my parents are taking him to a monster truck show!!! I remember going when I was younger and it was a lot of fun so I know he will enjoy it.

Needless to say when he is out watching monster trucks I will be working on orders and finishing up tax stuff (almost done!!!). I may go moonlight bowling with a few friends and that should be a lot of fun. I will also be getting my hair cut today by a professional. I usually just cut my own hair (trim) and have gotten 2 haircuts by pros in the last 4 years...maybe 5 years. The other day I cut off about 4" myself and it already looks better and healthier. I may also be able to squeeze in a movie, I've been wanting to see the black swan since it came out!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend! Hopefully this dark cloud over my head passes soon. I think I just need to be more social and stop worrying about things.

Work work work work work.

2011-01-06T13:13:00.001-08:00

The past three things that I have been constantly doing so far this month?

1. Preparing for taxes. I really really should have organized better last year!!! Ahhhh!!! Well at least I'm learning but doing everything last min is not the way to go! I will not be able to make some deductions this year because it would be just to much work to figure it out! This leads me on to #2

2. Organizing like a mad woman! I do this about once every three months. I go through the whole house and pile bag upon bag of things to go to Value Village and then drop it off when they are not open so I don't look like a mad woman (sometimes) returning things I bought there 2 months ago :/ But this time I am orgaizing EVERYTHING! Including my inventory. It's a big job but I'm definatly motivated by the tax season.

3. Court. I won't get into detail but of course at the worst time child related issues arise and I am being taken to court.

Whew! Talk about stressful! At least Christmas is over and I don't have tons and tons of orders to fill so I can organize and work on tax things. Although this has not kept me away from the thrift stores, but then again that's part of work too. I love the fact that when I'm out having fun shopping it's work and I'm enjoying it!

Yesterday I was able to grab this beauty!

I am soooo excited to try it out and I may replace my current machine with this one if it works good. Fingers crossed that it does! It's a portable machine (even though it's super heavy!) and even has the original box so when I'm done I can just store it away.

That's about it for now. I haven't really been able to do many fun things or even go online on tumblr or anything like that since I'm so busy but I should return soon!

2010/2011

2011-01-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

2010 You were an interesting year that taught me many things, both good and bad. Here's a few things that happened
-Realized after 3 years someones actions are not going to change. I'll admit that I knew this before but this was the year where I stopped caring and did not try to encourage things that will obviously never happen.
-Spent our first year renting an apartment where it's just us (Milo my son and I).
-Stopped buying so many things and got rid of a lot (still working on this one).
-Worked my butt off and in the end it paid off way more than I thought it would.
-Started looking at houses again, hopefully moving half way through 2011.
-Finally got back into dating and am still with this wonderful man.
-Cried, smiled and laughed a ton :)
-Got a kitten!!
-Started bar tending.
-Improved my skills.

Here's a few things I'm looking forward to in 2011.
-Starting my own website for plugs (not just handmade!).
-Improving my skills more (working on it right now!).
-Thrifting and auctioning more.
-Selling more vintage items and not just holding onto them.
-Clearing my life of unnecessary people and things.
-Buying a house.
-Exploring more arts/crafts.
-Sewing more! I fell behind a bit in that department this year.
-KEEPING ORGANIZED!
-Possibly doing the 365 photo challenge.

There are tons more but it's almost time for work! I still do have to work on my goals list and keep it up all year! Last year was great and I'm hoping this year will be fantastic! Happy New Year!!!

NEW YEARS SALE!!!

2011-01-01T10:14:00.001-08:00

New Years Sale!!!! 50% OFF EVERYTHING!! 12 HOURS ONLY 12PM to 12AM CST!
To get the 50% off you need to use coupon code NEWYEARS If you do not use the coupon code it will not be applied to your order.

With The Good Comes The Bad

2010-12-28T09:40:00.001-08:00

The past couple weeks have been pretty amazing. Orders are keeping me busy and I'm overflowing with ideas! In one of my last posts I talked about splurging on some items, I was able to get everything I wanted for pretty good prices now I just have to wait for them to come in the mail (it's killing me!!!!). I am super excited about everything! I even plan to switch the type of resin I use, this will allow me to polish the finished product and the quality is much better. I should have everything switched by the end of January (that's my goal!). That reminds me I need to make a goal list!!! I do it the beginning of every year but sometimes forget about it :/ this year will be different.

But of course with the good comes the bad. This leads me to tell you about a few struggles I've had the past couple weeks. Of course (as always around this time) I'm sick and that isn't helping with anything. Yesterday I went to the bank to get approved for a home loan (I've been looking at houses again!!! Even found one I really like) but since I'm self employed things are a little trickier....needless to say since my taxes weren't descriptive enough and I'm not doing all the same work I use to I will not be able to get a loan until after my taxes are done. This lead me to cry in the parking lot of the bank but thinking about it more and more it's actually probably for the best since I still have 6 months left on my lease and I can look around at more houses. One of the main things I was worried about was not making as much as the past two years so I went home and started adding up what I've done for the year and it turns out this year is the best yet!!! It also made me realize I really really need to keep things organized!!! So for the next couple of days I will be getting things ready for taxes and all that fun stuff!

In the end the bad ended up being not so bad and it's all how you look at it right?

Psssstttttt

2010-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just put up some sale items in the shop! New listings are also being put up as I type! Go check it out!!

Splurge!

2010-12-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

At least 7 new designs coming out very soon! I am very excited about these ones!
Since I have to make some pairs to photograph before selling I will be selling the sample pair for 1/2 off! They will range in size so all is fair. I will probably put the notice up on my facebook fan page or tumblr so keep an eye out!

Since things are going well and I'm keeping busy with my shop I am going to splurge and invest in some much needed equipment! First off a digital caliper, I have one that isn't digital and basically sucks. Second off is a vacuum pump! I've been eying these for awhile and really need to get one, it will help out with quality and save me time I just need to find the right materials to build it. Hopefully I'll be able to get both before the end of the year or improvise and use something similar.

New New New!!!

2010-12-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

There are going to be a couple new designs coming up in the next couple months! I am very excited about them and can't wait to share!

Another new and exciting thing is I made a light box last night for photographing! I'm always trying to improve on everything especially photos. This project was soooo simple and cheap and it improves my photos drastically. I really should have done it a long time ago. Before doing it I thought my pictures were pretty decent (they weren't horrible) but it was such a pain to take them! My previous solution was a piece of paper on the windowsill with direct sunlight, now I don't even need the sunlight!!! I think that is the best part especially since it gets dark around 5 now :( here are some before and after pics
Windowsill

Light Box

This makes me beyond happy. Now if I could just make one that I could fit in hmmmm....
The only thing that sucks about it is I'm going to have to redo a lot of photographs :/ but it will be worth it in the end.

On a Lighter Note!

2010-12-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Things are going great! I have been super busy (crazy busy!) and even though it can be frustrating and hard I love it. I was able to figure out some new/better improvements with my plugs and making them. I even cut out one step so I am able to make them faster! My ideas and designs are always improving and I won't stop until they're perfect. I have had one of my friends (who's pretty rough on plugs) beat a couple pairs up but ALWAYS REMEMBER I stand behind my product 100% if you bough something and need a fix tell me! I love to hear all feedback good and bad, it helps me improve my techniques.

One last thing! Coming in 2011 I will be setting up my own website (no worries I'll still be on etsy!) where I will be selling all types of plugs in all types of materials! I will stay that I may stay away from selling acrylic jewelry. Yes it is cheap but it's not the safest thing, there are many other better options out there and I want to be able to offer you those at an affordable price. Hopefully I'll be able to set that up once etsy calms down.

PS TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO GET (made to order) ORDERS IN IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR ITEM BY THE 24TH!!!

Mini Rant

2010-12-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

Okay okay okay I said I was going to try not to rant and what not but I need to get a little something off my chest and it's 4am so there's no one awake to talk to.

There is another plugs company that has recently shown up, not a problem at all I love to support small companies especially plugs! I am friends with other people that sell them and I try to help others out when starting up.

Anyway they started following me awhile ago on a couple websites (I'm going to be very vague here as to not give out what websites or specific info because I really don't want to give them a bad name) so I followed back. Recently I was looking at their products and come to find out they started doing one of my ideas, I won't lie I was a little bummed when I saw it. But not a big deal, kind of flattering if you think about it. I was looking on their website again today and saw another one of my ideas :( For some reason it just really bums me out, I understand no idea is really original but really??? And it didn't take them to long to do it after I did, coincidence? I think not.

Okay end of rant, thanks for listening! I understand I'm probably being petty and whatnot but I'm allowed that every now and then. And this is my blog dammit!!! Hahahaha jk.

2010-11-28T08:46:00.001-08:00

So I've been gone for awhile to say the least but I have decided to return (maybe) to the land of blogging. I'm not promising a post every other day or anything like that (baby steps!) but I would like to start at least making an effort to blog once a week. That brings me to my dilemma, what do I blog about!?!? I think half the time my life is so uninteresting but then again isn't the whole point of blogging supposed to be for myself? Maybe not, but that is what I'm going to be using it for. I apologize in advance if I have some that will be little rants or sad posts but that's what comes with life and I'm not always the happiest person. I will try to focus on happy things though :)

Lets see where did I leave you guys hanging last time??? RENEGADE! Yes, that was an amazing experience, very time consuming and exhausting but AMAZING! The first day we got down there and it was raining but that didn't stop the customers and what a delightful bunch they were. It took me awhile but on the second day I finally left my tent to go out and look at all the other amazing items. I was blown away by some of the thing I saw and I met some people who's blogs I follow and they are just as delightful in person as they are on the internet. It really boosted my confidence on what I am doing and what I want to do in life.

On a totally different subject I am looking for a house to buy (again, first time it didn't go so well and I eventually gave up) I'm hoping to find something within the next few months but time will tell. I love my apartment (and the skylights of course!) but I need a change and it would be nice to have a place of my own where I can paint the walls whatever color I want and not worry about putting shelves up because of the holes they'll leave behind.

Well I think that's a good mini update. I'm sure I'll have more to write about in the very near future. See ya soon!!!

Take a break, if only for a minute

2010-08-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy past couple of weeks! I am more than exhausted but in a great way. The reason for this post is to unleash some of my thoughts about things.

We all need to stop and enjoy the little things every now and then, even if it's just for a minute or two, it always feels great and lets you appreciate all you have.

The past couple of days I have been very busy finishing and shipping orders along with purchasing items to get ready for Renegade in Chicago and it has been way more than exhausting/frustrating/overwhelming. It's getting better, for now, next week I'll probably be crazy again but time will tell. Since I've been on a go go go mindset I decided to make some cheesecake yesterday and now am enjoying it..sitting on the computer between blogging and catching up on etsy feedback.

So take some time, even just a minute out of your day and look around at what you have.

Ear update! I'm well past 1 1/16" after the whole ordeal I had. I bought some beautiful organic plugs and although they don't fit now I can't wait until they do! I will also be making some for myself but am not sure what yet...

Have a great week! Hopefully I can get on here and update again soon.

2010-08-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy to say that these past few weeks have been amazing! Except for ear issues of course (thankfully they are all gone now and I'm babying my ears massively).
I have had a couple requests for smaller flower plugs and found the cutest little flowers the other day so here they are!

They come in beautiful colors too!

Update on the mango tree, it's doing amazing! Awhile ago the leaves were very droopy and I was afraid they were going to hit the dirt (they were 1/2" away!) but they perked up! I can't believe how fast it's growing, I'm sure the skylights help quite a bit though. The second one is growing some mini sprouts out of it so I'm optimistic for that one. I also started a couple more seeds. Sheesh what am I going to do with all these mango trees!?!?!

I am doing a giveaway with The Dainty Squid starting today!!! Check it out!

Idiot

2010-08-11T05:16:00.001-07:00

So yeah. After my last post I decided to take the ear skins out for the night. I did end up taping up some plugs but decided to take those out also and sleep with nothing in (like I usually do). I realized I'd probably go back down to 1" but I'd rather have happy ears than messed up ones. Sure enough this morning they were down to somewhere between 3/4" and 1" so I put 3/4" in, waited awhile and then got my 1" back in. I am very sad but also happy that they are doing a lot better already, I will wait to go back up when they are 100% good and I have the proper jewelry. Again thinking about getting scalpelled but they have thickened up a bit from routines I've been doing so that is still on hold. I just feel like an idiot right now, I should have known better but was to eager.

Cranky Ears!!!!

2010-08-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ugh! I hate hate hate when my ears act up. It doesn't happen to often but when it does, it sucks big time. Last week I went back up to 1 1/16. I'm not sure if I blogged about it when I went up before but I had problems and ended up downsizing again.
Let me tell you something, my ears are not happy, I taped up to this size last time and then wore some ear skins and after a week or two they started acting up. Again this time I put in the ear skins and they're at it again, the only conclusion I have been able to come up with is my ears hate ear skins. I don't know if it is the material or just that they dry them out (even though I do oil them). I am determined to stay and not go down again since I would like to stretch up more. Only problem is I have no other jewelry and I can't find my tape to tape up some smaller plugs I have. I have been waiting on a jewelry order since the 27th, something happened and the company has been very neglectful in contacting me back. The other day I received an email saying my order had been shipped but no tracking number :/ If I have to wait any longer I am going to flip out.
Sorry for the little vent.

Craft Nights and Mangos

2010-08-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Every Wednesday night you can find me attending (mostly hosting) Craft Night. In the beginning there were only two of us but it quickly grew when more alcohol became involved. A couple of weeks ago there ended up being over 20 people in my apartment, and mostly everyone was doing some sort of art/craft.
I've seen a couple of articles about craft nights, what to do, how to host and all that jazz. NOTHING like my craft nights. It got me to thinking if it's even worth calling a craft night. Trust me it is! One week we may be making clown costumes, another week will be all food, but there is always some sort of crafting going on..even if it's just beer drinking (still a craft!). I love it and wouldn't change it for the world.
Just a little insight of what goes on at craft night:
jewelry making, drawing, painting, resin work (fixing bicycles), knitting, sewing, crocheting, and probably some I forgot about. All in all I believe we do a fantastic job.
Just remember there is no "right" way to do something, just do it to have fun and fit your needs!
I thought I'd share a picture from this past weeks, it was taken as the night was winding down and most of the people had left, a good night indeed.

Onto the mango trees! They are doing very well, one has little leaves and is getting taller ever day! The other does not have leaves at the moment but hopefully will start up soon :) I also bought a new pot for them today for when they grow up a little.

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Clutter Bug

2010-08-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

So it's that time again! I've realized I'm hording to much and need to get rid of a few things so more items are up in the shop today! Including some vintage hair dryers and mass amounts of suitcases.

The girly hair dryer would look perfect in a vintage bathroom, I always imagined one with teal walls and pink bathroom things all over! That was the plan for this hair dryer but it is not happening at this moment so I've decided to put it up for grabs so someone who could actually use it and appreciate it more could have it :)

I am working on some more plugs, some that have actually been in work for quite some time. Also a plug giveaway by The Dainty Squid hopefully! If you haven't heard of her go check out her shop and blog! Soooo cute!

My mangoes are growing! Finally poking up out of the dirt and getting some tiny leaves! Pictures of that soon, once I figure out the changes Flickr made!

Vintage goodies for the shop!

2010-07-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

While I was doing my first post I forgot all about the items I'm putting in the shop today! I recently reached my 200th sale!! I was very excited about that and am plan a giveaway soon so keep your eyes open! I love love love making plugs for you guys and right now my favorites are the pearl ones (they have been a big hit too! I just love hearing stories about how you lovely ladys are going to wear them for your wedding or how excited you are to finally have found some nice "girly" plugs.

I have been buying way way to many things latley and realized it a few weeks ago when I started tearing my apartment apart to organize things better (it's still a little out of sorts but it's getting there). I made over 10 reversible skirts in different sizes so expect to see them in the shop soon! It was a great way to bust down a bit of my fabric stash and I'm very happy I was able to get them all done. I will also be making some bags in the near future out of a sailboat boom cover with some awesome closures that I plan to keep on as part of the bag. But I still keep buying things!!!!! So I have decided to put a few clothing items on etsy instead of putting them in a pile to resize for myself. I only have a few to put up today but trust me, there will be more in the near future!

I really wish I could've kept this skirt! It fits, just not to comfortably :(

This skirt is to big but has some awesome fun buttons up the side!

Awesome shirt! I actually may make a pattern up based on this shirt because I love the look of it so much! It's super big on me so my loss is your gain :) Don't mind the flop ear! I forgot to put my plugs in before taking this pic hahaha

Thankfully I can usually find vintage clothes in my size so I don't mind giving up a few things here and there. I hope you guys enjoy them!

Mangos and Ears

2010-07-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

So the idea of scape ling has not left my mind but I am putting it on hold at the moment and trying other methods first. I will say that in the beginning I did not take care of my ears as well as I could've (basically not at all). I've been reading up on different methods to fatten up my lobes, like daily massaging and taking my plugs out at night (did that before but no I take them out earlier and longer than I used to). It seems to be working! I have noticed a little more plump than I had before :D I have also heard of downsizing and stretching back up but would rather not have to go that route if it's not necessary. I will begin stretching back up tonight, hopefully it goes smoothly.
In other news a month or so ago I started growing some mango trees! I just put the seeds in a baggie with some paper towel and water to get them started. Here they are now!
">
One has great roots and the other has a pretty good start so I'm very optimistic about them. Last time I had a mango plant I left it outside and the frost got at it
:(
Happy hump day!!! Bahahahahaha enjoy the rest of your week!

Vintage Goodness

2010-07-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty decent about hitting up rummage and estate sales the past couple of weeks. It's always a challange when you have a three year old hanging on you and wanting to be carried everywhere (it also doesn't help that he's already over half my size!). I will say that I love estate sales quite a bit more than rummage. I love the fact that they usually have 1/2 off everything on the last day and what I pick up no one else is looking for. I am regaining my love for rummage sales after buying some beautiful clothes last week (oh and it's good for the kids clothes when you can find the right size). Anyway here are a few vintage goodies I picked up the past couple of weeks that are in the shop now!

I'm going through an ugly on the outside beautiful on the inside/less than perfect kind of phase with some of my suitcases. They all need love and a good home and when I open them up the inside just makes me smile.

And now on to some fans!!! I love this style and these are by far some of the best fans I have had so far. I love photographing them!!! I do have one more that is not pictured that I will be refurbishing, but I haven't decided on colors yet so keep an eye out for that!

This has been a great start to my week and things have been going very well for me latley I just hope it keeps up! Have a great week!

Mood Plugs!

2010-07-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

I love love love how these turned out! They are amazing and bring me back to my childhood when I would go to skate town and buy 2 or 3 mood rings at a time because I would always misplace them! Here are some pics!

The best part is sometimes depending on the temperature they will make a neat stripe pattern :D I'll try to get a picture of that up soon.

I've been thinking of getting my ears scapeled, not much but just a little so I can stretch more, I don't want the bottom of my lobes to get any thinner. I've realized if I would like to take my plugs out I'll probably have to get them sew up to look normal again. I don't see it happening in the near future at all, my ears mean to much to me for downsizing. It's a personal journey and I'm not done yet. I will probably be finding out details in the next week or two.

Hope you guys are having a wonderful week!

2010-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

Still busy! Agh! I think the hot weather makes me want to get out more...I'm kind of wishing it were colder so I could get more done at home but I won't complain :D
I have a lot of good news for you! Well things that I'm super excited about anyway.

First up is the big one! I WILL BE IN RENEGADE (CHICAGO) THIS YEAR!!! I actually didn't think I would get in but thought what the heck I'll apply and if I don't get in I don't...there's always next year. I'm in and I'm very excited about it but should be doing more to get ready :/ I know it's going to sneak up on me very soon. I'll have to start planning out layouts and how I'll organize all my stuff, this will def be a nice challange. I've only really been to little craft fairs here and there that didn't have many people attending so I hope this doesn't overwhelm me to much! And I will have more experiance if I'm accepted into Art vs. Craft in Milwaukee.

Second up is new plugs!
These ones are in the shop now!
Crystal Plugs

Flower Plugs

Dictonary Plugs

Recycled Earring Plugs

I should have another pair up tomorrow...this is the most exciting I've done so far MOOD PLUGS! Just like the mood rings I used to love!!! I'm so happy I was able to put this idea to work and get it done. Look for an update about those! Hopefully I will be doing a giveaway soon :D

I will also be putting up a couple of suitcases in the shop today...and hopefully getting to work on some clothing in the very very near future. I may just need a sitter for a whole day and whip out a ton of clothes, that would be nice.

Have a happy week!

2010-06-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Sooooo I've been super busy with orders and new plugs latley but I'm here today! I'm going to give you a little sneak peek of a new project I have in mind.

That is a picture of a few newspaper printing blocks. I have a huge box of them that I got from 7 Mile fair about a month ago. I'm not sure how well they are going to print for me but I know some will work and others will not at all. My idea is to make some newspaper print fabric (dresses skirts shirts all that jazz too). No two will look alike! If it turns out the way I hope then it is going to be amazing so wish me luck :)

The place where I live is also having a gallery this July and a open house that should bring a lot of people in. I am hoping to be able to submit a dress or two, one with a painting on it (fabric dye painted on) and another with mass amounts of roses/flowers. It's a little hard to explain and I'm not the best at drawing clothes so you guys will have to wait a bit. I'm planning to start the pattern tonight so it shouldn't be terribly long for in progress photos. I would also like to do the open house and open up my apartment....but I've been slacking on things like painting my furniture for the living room and looking for new couches :/ but it should be done in time...fingers crossed!

Tie Dye Fun and Pink Suitcases

2010-06-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sooooo I wanted to share our tie dye fun with you guys! We did it last week and it was a blast! Milo loved it and I'm sure we will do it again in the near future. Although I would like to find a more natural alternative to the dye, it hurt my fingers really bad (stung like a mother trucker!) it also dried them out a lot too. If any of you guys have more natural alternatives we could use (even if they're not super bright colors) I would love to hear them. Along with the shirts we did I also did a test chunk of fabric, a very large test chunk and I love how it turned out.

And now shirts with goofy faces and thumbs up!!

Awesome pink suitcase that I found at an estate sale!!! Amazing condition. I'd keep it but I think I'll stick to my lime green one so this one will be up for grabs in my shop later today!

New shirt that will also be available...actually it's not new at all, I started this thing quite some time ago and it was sitting in my wip box for weeks :/

One last thing!! New plugs!

Happy Thursday!!!

New New New!!!

2010-06-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Good news! Last week a customer requested 2G plugs. Now if you don't know I do not carry anything lower than 0G. I was very excited to take this challenge up, especially because it was a pair of flower plugs! They turned out fantastic! Better than I could have hoped. So my first announcement of the day is I will now be carrying 2G for specific styles of plugs :)

Here is another new pair of plugs I have been working on. Rock plugs! Made from smashed rocks with a little sparkle in them :) Other colors are available but not pictured yet.

I also have some of my items (mostly jewelry) at Project M in Milwaukee, check it out if you're in the area, it's an amazing store.

Tie Dye pics tomorrow!!! I made some sweet fabric using tie dye to show off to you guys :)

Happy Crappy Tuesday!!! hahaha I only say that because it's an icky day here in WI.

Annoyed

2010-06-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

So this is my place to come and vent every now and then so I'm going to do it here today. Thankfully for you I have the wrist of a 90 year old lady today so it hurts to type and this blog may be short.

I hate hate hate dishonest people! I won't say exactly what is bothering me because I don't feel like I should call any specific person out. It's just super frustrating when people who are honest and follow the rules don't do as well as the others who lie and cheat..but I guess that's how it goes. I just hope karma comes around and kicks them in the pants...well not really but I hope they realize what they are doing is wrong and stop.

Okay I suppose that wasn't to much venting, thankfully I wrote this a little after I got all heated up on this subject.

Anywho good news! I have some new plug designs coming to the shop soon! All different sorts so keep your eyes peeled :) I also find out this week about Renegade in Chicago, I really really hope I get in! Then again I'm a little nervous that if I get in I'll be very scattered and unorganized :/ Wish me luck!

Week Wrapup

2010-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

This has been a very very frustrating week. It started out okay, halfway through was rediculus but the end was pretty great, so I suppose it was all okay except for the middle. I went to a wedding yesterday and it was a blast! I was able to see sooo many old friends and I really miss some of them. We also were able to go catch some frogs and tadpoles this weekend and the little man had a blast :)
Here's a couple pics from before the wedding

My little man is growing up soooo fast :(

I was also able to finish up some new plugs!!!

I love love love how they turned out! Especially the imperfections.

We were able to sneak out to seven mile fair this morning and I have some nice goodies to show you guys soon :)

2010-05-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sooo I thought I would share a little something with you. Every week I have craft night. Usually it involves some great company, a couple of beers, and crafting of course! This is something we worked on the last time, my friend needed a clown costume by the end of the week so we stopped at Value Village picked up some sheets and got to work as soon as he came to craft night, finished project

Here is the tv stand I've been working on. There will eventually be fish in it once I make a tank to fit the inside and finish the paint job(probably going to be done on another craft night). I'm not sure what to do with the lower part (speaker part), maybe I'll do some red behind the bars or something, it just looks a little out of place.

Onto the plants!!! I'm horrible with them, I have a black thumb but I did get some sunflowers growing!! They need to be replanted, there's also a mini grapefruit tree growing in there that I'm very excited about. The plants next to them are dying, I've tried everything and now there's only one left :( But on an upside I bought a vine plant that's doing fantastic! I planted it in a bed pan so that's pretty funny, I'll have to take a pic of that for next time.

New Plugs in the shop later today!!!
Music notes, these have been on my todo list for a very very very long time (since I began doing plugs actually). I'm happy they are finally here.

Wiggly eye plugs!

I have an awesome pair to show you tomorrow also! They include pressed flowers and turned out amazing!!!

Where Do All The Good People Go?

2010-05-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I try not to notice it but respect is missing from our world today, it's still there in some places but it's hard to find...maybe it's the town I live in, but then again aren't all towns basically the same in the end? You're going to find hate everywhere, along with love. I think since I've lived here my whole life its more apparent to me then other places...but it's all the same in the end, with the good comes the bad. Sorry I rambled there for a minute, back to respect. It needs to make a comeback...like NOW. People need to realize their actions, even the small ones effect people. I will admit I went through a phase where I didn't respect anyone or anything, I learned from it and fell awful for the things I did, even apologised for things. But seriously once you're 19-20 at the oldest you need to wake up and smell the coffee....or keep being disrespectful and get a punch in the face.
I can't wait for this week to be over!

2010-05-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I went on a little adventure for a personal sail boat that was free on craigslist....I asked them if it would be possible to hold it for me and they said no problem (since I was an hour away I didn't want to get there and have it gone). Just like my luck it was gone when we got there :( but we did end up finding quite a few goodies at random thrift stores on the way so it wasn't a wasted trip after all.

I also acquired a chair very similar to this and started to paint it last night, I'm very excited to have it up!
This fancy thing will also be going into my living room, another project I was painting last night. Hopefully eventually I will get some fish in it but I need to figure out a tank option first (I may have to end up building one or something like that, we'll see). My living room is starting to come together and it's looking great! I just need to find some couches that go with my color scheme.

While browsing etsy today I found this new shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/extraseed I think it's amazing that she uses recycled tires for the sole! I've been thinking of buying some flats on etsy, they're all amazing too I just don't know what ones I would buy! I'm amazed at the things people can do.

There will be a couple new items in the shop today! Including both stud and plug wiggly eye earrings

And some choose your solid color post earrings

Sewing to do tonight!!!!

Goal Update!

2010-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sooo here was the list of my goals for the week. I know I know I'm only a day and a half in but I'm very excited to share my updates with you. No pictures yet though!

GOALS
1. Clean clean clean! And keep it clean!
2. Organize fabric and work area (this includes premade items).
3. Get at least one medium and large item in the shop.
4. Look up headboard and bedroom ideas!
5. Make more clothes for myself. Like when I finish 5 shirts for the shop, make a little cute one for myself as a reward.
6. Take pictures, even if they're not good work at making them better!
7. Possibly get more shelves and organize vintage items that are in my shop.

UPDATES
1. & 2. It all started Sat when I went out looking for one of those little organizers, found one!! On sale too :) I actually later found another at a rummage sale for $2 which is great because it's a little smaller but a perfect fit with my other one. Saturday was also spent looking for shelves, I ended up finding the perfect ones....that my mom bought for me quite some time ago and we forgot about hahaha. Last night was spent organizing my clothes rack, fabric and knick knacks and this morning I put up my first shelf! It look 1000000% better already and I still have 3 more shelves to put up.
3. Working on it but I know what I would like to make, and I want to increase the one item to five items.
4. Already have a couple ideas!
5. After making the 5 medium and large sizes this one will be doable.
6. Need a few supplies first.
7. Started :)

So even though it's only a day and a half in, I believe I got a pretty good start and should be able to do all of these if not more! I've also kept up with wearing dresses and skirts! The weather def helps.

Happy Monday!

Summertime!

2010-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sooo two days ago it was beautiful out...yesterday not so much. Today....not so much. Buuuuuttttt starting tomorrow it's supposed to be in the high 70s low 80s! I can't wait, I'm preping my skirts and dresses :D I think I'm going to like doing this goal very much. I have to whip up a few more skirts also, I have a new pattern to share with you soon that I hope you will all like! More stash busting will be done tonight and I need to start hunting for an organization thing that will work for all my knick knacks. Something like this would be perfect. So I'm on the hunt for that and figureing out shelving.

Summertime is giving me more motivation and inspiraton too so I whipped up some ring/earring sets last night! Nice and colorful for summer :)

Have a nice weekend! Hopefully I can keep up with my goals and get a lot done within the next couple of days.

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-05-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was beautiful out....today it's raining :( ugh. I wouldn't mind it if it was warm but it's not.

One of my personal goals is to wear more skirts/dresses/shorts this summer and hopefully come out of it with non pasty legs :/ Wed was super nice and I wanted to wear a skirt but had to go up and down attic stairs all day so that was out of the questions but yesterday I was able to wear a dress!!! I felt awesome, and even got some free stuff from an err older gentleman that was flirting with me in a store (well Milo got the free stuff but I like to think it was because of me and how awesome I looked hahahaha but he was def flirting!). It was a nice boost of confidence for a change.

Yesterday I also noticed when people walk past me and look at me I just look down, not sure why but it really bothered me so I'm going to try and work on keeping my head up these days.

I can't wait to wear more cute clothes, I sure do have enough too! I've been a little out of hand shopping for myself but since I only shop at thrift stores I can justify buying 3 skirts for $2 each, a great way to help out the environment and you wallet! It also helps that I can alter just about anything that is to big (but half the time I put it in a pile to do later and never get to it, that's something I need to work on too).

Soooo I have a wedding to go to next weekend and I need to find something to wear, I was thinking of making a dress and I have this amazing yellow sheer fabric that I think I'm going to use (with a white lining of course!) I'm just not positive what pattern I will be doing.......but I need to get on it soon. I have also been work on medium and large shirts and have possible models for them :)

Anyway I need more hangers to keep things organized (ugh another goal) and quite a few other things. I'll share the list with you of what I would like to have done by the end of next week and hopefully I get through it. Having it posted online for other people to see just helps motivate me to do it more than if I didn't post it. Here are a few, I'm sure the list will grow though.
1. Clean clean clean! And keep it clean!
2. Organize fabric and work area (this includes premade items).
3. Get at least one medium and large item in the shop.
4. Look up headboard and bedroom ideas!
5. Make more clothes for myself. Like when I finish 5 shirts for the shop, make a little cute one for myself as a reward.
6. Take pictures, even if they're not good work at making them better!
7. Possibly get more shelves and organize vintage items that are in my shop.

That's it for now! What are your goals for the week????

New Clothes!

2010-05-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday consisted of sewing tons. I have something to show you today!!

First off I'm going to tell you how my photo taking usually goes. Up until recently I've had to set the timer and do all that jazz so taking pictures of 5 shirts would take anywhere from half an hour to an hour if I was lucky. I bought a $3 remote...of course it didn't work and I should have just paid the $45 for the one that would have (that I can't find now, just my luck). Milo helps me at times but usually won't sit around for 5 shirts but sometimes I get lucky! Today was one of those days and then he wanted me to take some pictures of him and this is what he came up with...soooo cute! To bad he's not a older gal that could model for me, I think he'd have some good shots! Hahaha now I'll have to get into making little boy clothes :)

Anywho on to the new clothes! All of them are 100% upcycled except for the yellow fabric for the lace shirt and the band for the dress.

This top is a keeper for me, it ended up having some stains on it and a little hole in it so all mine :) I love when I can justify keeping something for myself. I love the pattern though and may end up making something very similar made to measure so keep an eye out!

This top was pretty basic to make I just love the pattern on it! It would be a wonderful summer/beach top, unfortunately my boobs don't fill it out as well as they could, still cute!

This shirt is one I was falling in love with while making, I almost ended up messing it up on purpose so I could keep it! The lace is upcycled and I plan on making more tops with lace on them :)

Again couldn't pass up this fabric!! It was on a hideous vintage dress! I thought since it was so busy I could make it into a simple shirt and it worked out great!

This shirt is upcycled from jersey sheets (I have so many I need to use them up and this is a good stash buster). Just a basic t that will be made to measure :)

This dress I had planned out quite some time ago but never sewed it up because it's not the easiest thing to do with this pattern. I'm very happy with how it turned out and will be making more with the same style. The stretch on this dress is amazing and would fit a small or medium with ease!

I did finish up a cute medium/large dress but was unable to get some pictures of it since I don't have another model. I'll be asking my sister to try it out so hopefully it'll be up soon! All of the shirts I made are unfortunately only size small (I got a little carried away!) but I will be making some medium and larges next, and hopefully when my bff moves back I can get into some plus sizes.

After posting the pics I realized I don't think I've made one piece of clothing from 100% new materials! I'm very proud of myself, this is my goal and I'm sticking to it! I can't wait to whip out some new clothes for you ladies, hopefully gentlemen soon too :)

Sew Sew Sew

2010-05-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

So today started off.....early to say the least, the past few days I have been getting up earlier than usual and I'm going to try and start making it a point to do so and to get to bed earlier.

I went to the dry cleaners and learned some new things and am going to be working on some new (fancier) dresses using some of the techniques she showed me. After a couple of hours I could tell she was getting a little frustrated and then she explained to me that she usually doesn't start alterations this early and she does them when she has the time (understandable). We are putting it on hold for now but she asked if I would like to come work for her in August and I can clean and learn alterations when she's doing them. I told her that would be great so that's on hold for now.

Last night was spent cutting up multiple shirts and dresses that I will be sewing up today (hopefully taking pictures of too! If not today then tomorrow). I have over 8 things to sew, great way to destash!! But when I was almost through cutting I realized I need to make different sizes!! Ahhhh so most of the items are smalls :( maybe I will be able to work on some mediums and larges tonight (while watching glee of course!). I also realized I could use a few more tools for sewing than I have so off to the store tomorrow! Here's a sneak peak of the patterns of the shirts/dresses I cut up last night.

I'm currently working on a custom pair of plugs and while filling them I tried out a new technique, looks pretty cool I think (I like the one on the right more)

Another thing I worked on yesterday was covering a vintage slide in resin. A few months ago I picked up some slides for a friend and realized there's doubles and triples of some of these! So this is what I did last night. I was thinking of maybe putting it on a necklace but maybe it's to much???? What do you guys think??

Things To Share

2010-05-17T11:06:00.001-07:00

I have a few lovely things to share with you guys :)
First off is a blog that my tote was featured it. Check it out she has some really cute things and needless to say I will now be following her :)

Yesterday I got to work on a few new pairs of plugs which I was able to take pictures (thankfully because today isn't the best out and I had to get up early for an eye appointment at 8) before the sun went down so I was able to list a couple today. Here they are!

First off are the googly/wiggly eyes. I've been meaning to do this for awhile but putting it off. I did not list them today because I still have to make sure they're stable enough to sell and that they will not fall off. Another concern I have with this style is the clear cover that the eye is in getting pushed in. I'll have to put a warning in the listing about how they are a little more fragile.

Reptile eyes are next! Pretty creepy but neat, and for now will only come in select sizes :(

Last but not least are mirror plugs. I had this idea in the back of my head awhile ago but forgot about it until I made the convex mirror plugs and someone asked if I could make them in 1/2". These also are only in a few sizes until I figure out a way to sand them down.

Ugh I'm worn out...and it's only 1! Like I mentioned I had an eye doc appointment today. They dilated my eyes and whenever they do that it just makes me want to sleep...or at least close my eyes all day! It's better now...after a nap and a postponed trip to the post office because close up things are blurry when they do this so I wasn't able to see my labels :(

Off to the post office and grocery shopping (ugh hate it but then again I hate not having food more) then making more plugs and cleaning tonight! I am also working on some more clothes, quite a few things already cut out and ready to sew! I just really need to bring my stash down so I'm working on that all week.

Happy Monday!

New News! Items, Blogs and Customers!

2010-05-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

New things will be posted on etsy today if the computer starts working with my memory card!! Keep an eye out. Here's a little sneak peak :)

New mirror plugs! Only pair 3/4"

Another new pair of plugs include the dice plugs where you choose your color and the number that show!!!

New tote/shoulder bag. I love this one and might have to make one for myself.

My bff is also starting a fashion blog for curvy girls! I love this because I love her style (and sometimes contribute to it with thrifted goodies). So far I think she's off to a fantastic start! I have made skirts for her before and since she'll be moving back I can't wait to get into plus size clothing (and have a model for it). So if you're a curvy gal or just love fashion (it's not strictly for plus size, it's for all sizes concentrating on what works best for your body type I believe anyone can get help from this blog) go check it out. Fashion On A Curve!! Oh and if you make plus size clothing and would like her to do an interview on you emial her!

I also wanted to share a customer photo with you! She bought one of my mini camera rings and started snapping away once she received it! They're super cute :) I always love me some customer appreciation photos

Check out her photostream!

All weekend free shipping on handmade items!!!

Constructive Criticism

2010-05-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

This week was beyond packed! Thankfully it's Friday and almost done with.

With dresses and costumes all done finally I took on a new adventure this week, a couple weeks ago I saw an add on craigslist for a dry cleaners looking for someone to do alterations so I wrote them back saying I was interested. I went in on Tuesday, the lady showed me four pieces of clothing that needed to be done, we discussed it and off I went home to fix them. Well I brought them back today and apparently there was some miscommunication, one thing (a skirt that had to be taken in) I though she wanted done a certain way (she had shown me) so I did it like that but it was wrong :( another was a zipper that I had done on a dress, I needed a certain foot and didn't know it. The other two were good but I was very bummed about the whole situation. I do in fact have an easier time making clothes from scratch than doing alterations unless the alterations are done on clothes that I made. We talked a little more and I felt horrible that she had to redo the two pieces of clothing but she said she would teach me if I wanted. While I was driving away I just didn't feel to good about myself but now that I think of it I need to take this criticism constructively instead of just moping around about it. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn and learn a lot. I already called her back and I will be going in on Tuesday to work there. I am still somewhat embarrassed but I'll get over it. And now that I think of it the hardest piece of clothing that I did have to do turned out the best! So maybe I just need a little help on the little things :)

It's That Kind of Monday

2010-05-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing is working for me today :/ I've already had to backspace about 10 times on this one blog because my hands are moving faster than my mind...or maybe it's the other way around...I'm not sure all I know is they're not working with each other. I hope this doesn't continue all week, then I'll have a problem.

Sorry for the lack of blogging, and my last blog. Last week was super busy and the one day I wanted to blog every computer I went on failed to go onto blogspot, it just wouldn't work. I had to look it up on my phone and write my little thing from there, very inconvenient.

Getting back to my last blog. I didn't mean to make it so short. The lovely lady that wrote it is in fact my best friend. She is awesome and has helped me with my etsy in countless ways, even when I would text her in the early hours of the morning to check out a picture or a new design I had or even just to talk about marketing ideas. I really appreciated and loved the review she did on my products, and I know she was honest about it and not talking me up because if she has an opinion about something she will say it (one of the things I love about her!). I just realized the link on my last post didn't even work either so click here to go to it :) If you're thinking of having someone review your shop shoot her a message she would love to do it! Also check out her blog, she has quite a few neat tutes and vintage finds up there that I'm sure you'll all like!

Back to last week, I've been working on quite a few new things such as bags, shirts anime costumes and props..everyday I was doing something, good to keep busy but whoa was it a little tense! Look for new items in the shop this week! If I ever get the computer to work with me of course.

This week isn't as bad (so far) but I'm sure to keep busy with jewelry and whatnot. I'm trying to come up with new designs and applying to Renegade in Chicago (hopefully if technology does not stop me I will be doing that today). I am also venturing in wine making, only as a little hobby and for gift sets (nothing more than one gallon making at a time). I already started on some honey wine (mead) and am very excited about the outcome :) Wish me luck, when it looks a bit better I will post some pictures.

Happy Monday and I hope yours is going a lot better than mine!

Etsy Feature/Review!

2010-05-03T16:31:00.001-07:00

Check it out!!
http://madelynnnng.blogspot.com/

Dress Up!

2010-04-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

As a little girl I loved playing dress up with all my grandmas vintage clothes.
I know that we never really need a reason to dress up but when there is a reason it makes it seem a like a little more fun. I will be putting some awesome vintage clothes in the shop today and had the best time photographing them!! Now if I only had a reason to dress up on a regular basis....

I will be looking at more styles like this to add to my wardrobe, these don't quite fit right on me so they're up for grabs!

Dainty Squid Giveaway!

2010-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

The lovely Dainty Squid is having another giveaway, this time some awesome mugs are up for grab! Head on over and check it out!!
http://daintysquid.blogspot.com/

Neighbors

2010-04-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have never lived in an apartment before so after moving in the lofts I didn't mind the noise from downstairs (most of the time). It was actually pretty entertaining and lots of drama that I made into my little daytime soap opera.

My old neighbors moved out and the noise from them was every now and then so very tolerable. Now I have new neighbors a couple with one kid. I know how kids can be LOUD and sometimes you need a break because it can be very overwhelming, I know this from experience.

Every night since they have moved in there has been screaming and it's not the kid. At first I only really noticed it at night every now and then. I'm not sure if it got worse or if I'm just realizing it more but this is what goes on every night starting around 6...8 if I'm lucky...The mother starts "bed time" and instead of calming down and explaining to her daughter that it's time for be she screams and swears, and this is her normal voice she's always screaming...in the morning afternoon night...ALWAYS!!

Now I'm not one to complain much but the other night it went to far. Now she's started saying how she hates her daughter and doesn't want her anymore, the kid is like 4 or 5. Horrible horrible horrible...some people should not have kids. I'll be talking to the office gal Tuesday to complain about the noise. I'm tempted to tape them screaming and slide it under their door to listen to, maybe it would be like a wake up call but I doubt it.

Self Portrait Friday...

2010-04-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed by now I have def been slacking on self portrait Friday, I knew in the back of my head I wouldn't be able to keep it up and I'm amazed by the people who can. Maybe it was because it was a group thing....or because I'm horrible at long projects that I'm obligated to do..whatever it was I'm sorry if you were enjoying them.

I am still going to continue on my photography though, there were a few little pictures I took that I really enjoyed and made me want to experiment with things and sell some pictures on etsy. We'll see where that goes. For now I am no longer doing the group spf but may have a few on my blog from time to time.

Any who more things in the shop today. This week has been somewhat productive. I keep getting this cold thing that sucks, I may need to go to the doctor soon it's been a couple of years and there's other things I am also concerned about...

Fingers crossed for an even more productive weekend!!!

I Think I should Explain

2010-04-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is what I looked like yesterday, trust me it's all gone now...except for a little bit on my shoes..and feet...and in my hair :/

I should start out by saying if you don't look at my flickr you probably wouldn't have seen this (oh and you should check out my flickr haha) and if you look at my flickr you probably won't get it until you read my blog (see how it all works out! But I understand if you don't want to).

Anyway last week I found out about a fellow friend hosting a zombie zunday at my fav bar. We (my bff and I) didn't decide to go until mid week and she was still in MN so on Sunday we went out and got our zombie gear. We ended up outdoing ourselves quite a bit, making brain and rib cage cupcakes along with some blue and green popcorn.

I'd say it was a massive success. Good company, food, movies and video games. Zombies are great! Now on to some pics!

Ps I look like a cave woman, I was supposed to be an 80's hooker...either way it works. I love zombie nights and can't wait for the next one....I wish I could do this every day.

Now onto being productive.

Productive? I Think Not.

2010-04-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ugh, this week has probably been one of the most unproductive weeks I've had in awhile. I'm very frustrated by it but I suppose I can only blame myself. I let certain things get to me when I really didn't have any need to worry and I think that made up for a lot of me basically doing nothing.

To make up for it I'll be putting some more listings up today and hopefully working on some more plugs styles. I am also considering attending Milwaukee's Tattoo Convention and selling there so that would help me get quite a bit done and motivated.

I have a few costumes to finish up and some props. SO MUCH TO DO!!! Yet I'm not doing anything about it?!?! I think I just needed a little time to unwind, but not it's making me freak out a little bit.

I am once again considering getting a job, maybe just part time though. It def wouldn't hurt and it would be good for Milo to get some time with other kids on a regular basis....ahhhh life.

I think I need to make a list of things to do for this next week.
1. Hang pictures!!!! I still haven't put any up in my apartment and I've been there for about 5 months now! Ugh
2. Get costumes and props done
3. New plugs.
4. New listings.
5. Sew sew sew!!!!!
That's a good start, now to get on it :)

Off to do some listings! More owls in the shop soon :)

New Week. New Things.

2010-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

So I realized today sometimes I sounds like a complete idiot when I write things (mostly replies on my flickr) but I'm not...seriously, it's only when I type things to new people that like my goods. I get a little nervous sometimes :/
Anyway it's Monday once again. I have a few things to talk about, including some weekend finds and a solution to some summer clothes for little boys that grow to fast.
I'll start with my finds
An awesome vintage typewriter. Although the keys aren't round it's still pretty spiffy. I believe it is also in working condition, I just need a new ink ribbon. If anything it'll be a nice decoration in my home until it finds a new home :)

Along with the typewriter came this vintage adding machine. I plugged it in and it started making all sorts of noises, I believe it works but I have to figure out how before I know for sure.

This is actually from last week but I'm going to post it this week just to show it off. I scored a TON of owl things last week and will soon be putting some in the shop, I think this little guy is one of my favorites

This bag was a pretty neat find. I love the color!

I have also been working on more bug plugs. Here are the newest ones "lady bugs" (actually Asian Beatles). I also got in contact with someone who raises moths and may have some moth wing jewelry in the shop soon! I'm very excited about it because she knows a few other people that raise moths and butterflies (they don't kill them) and might be willing give some pieces to me :D

Now onto the little boy subject. I was looking through Milos clothes the other day once it started to warm up and realized we don't have any short sleeve shirts that fit him except for one or two. Some of his winter shirts still fit and they are the kind with the different colored sleeves so I decided to make them last a little longer. I cut the extended sleeves off to make them into short sleeves. No sewing needed! Sorry for the crappy shirt, I wanted to try it out at first without messing a good one up. Now I'm off to cut the rest! I might even cut some of the regular long sleeve ones and sew them up.
Step one:
Get your scissors and the shirt out!
\
Step two:
Cut off the long sleeves right next to the seam.

DONE! Easy and worth the time to save some extra money.

Now off to get some sewing done! I hope everyones week is off to a good start :)

Sneak Peak!

2010-04-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a little taste of some new jewelry going into the shop :) I guess I'll just post everything but no details.

Hope you all like them!! I sure do :D
Look for them in the shop soon!

I am a mix of contradicting emotions all mashed together.

2010-04-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for a bit. There has defiantly been a lot going on this month. Some good, some bad, some amazing and horrible. It's all mashed together.
This month has been a roller coaster.

My etsy has been doing great, I was featured on the front page not once but twice for different items and I had an amazing amount of sales (thank you to all of my customers!). I have however been having issues in a few different parts of my life but I don't want to talk about that because it just frustrates me, it will all work out in the end.

I am keeping busy and having fun doing it I couldn't ask for more. The past two weeks I have been working on orders along with getting things ready to put in a store in Milwaukee (an amazing store by the way! Project M check it out if you're ever in the area). It has been super hectic but calm and worth it at the same time. This is what I want to do, this is what makes me happy and even at it's worse it's still the best. I would really like to continue to venture out to different stores so I hope this venture goes well and gives me the confidence to try out other stores. I also want to get my plugs into tattoo conventions (that reminds me I need to look that up!) so I have a lot on my plate this summer but I am not going to give up or let anyone get me down.

I will be posting more, I promise I won't neglect you guys. This also gives me a little bit of relief and sanity that I need every now and then.

Happy early Easter!

Coming Together

2010-03-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Things are finally starting to make sense. My shop is doing decent and I'm getting more styles and items in it and trying to move some of the older stuff at the moment (sale on hats and scarves right now!!). I was contacted yesterday by a lovely lady on etsy about featuring my shop in her blog. First time featured in a blog that wasn't just a Friday favorite! Check out her shop she has some very yummy scarves!
I'm getting a lot more convos and interest in my shop now and it's helping motivate me! So look for some new items up soon!
I think the fact that it is March is making me more optimistic about things. I love winter and all just not a lot of it, I'm ready for some warmth and playing outside in the sun or at the beach!
I went on a little date the other night. I haven't been in a relationship for 3 years and I think it's time to get back out there. I had a lot of fun and it really made me feel good about myself...I miss that feeling, especially the nervousness of it all.
Happy Monday!!

Valentine Day Giveaway Winner!!!

2010-02-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

It's Madelyn!!
Congrats! Just let me know what you would like. I was hoping to gain many more followers and I got a few :)
Sorry I've been gone for awhile, crazy crazy weekend! I was trying to get a ton of things done before our gallery night at the wagon lofts. Unfortunately I did not get the skirts done that I wanted to but there's always next time! I did however come up with a new skirt pattern so look for that in my shop soon! And I found a rolling rack for a decent price that I will be picking up Wed, along with my industrial sewing machine that I can't wait to finally work on!
Happy Monday!!!

A Seriously Awesome Etsy Shop!

2010-02-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

So the other day I was looking in one of the daily etsy find guides and found this beauty when something strikes my eye of course I go to the shop! Then I started looking around and oh man do they have a lot of beauties! When I first started to get into resin I did a lot of research (of course I'm still learning) and I saw a lot of pieces and these are def in my top 5 favorites. I wish I could make things like they do! They are very very kind and helpful so go take a look around, it's worth looking at even if it is just for eye candy. I'm off to get my fingers measured now so I can sport one of their fancy rings in the near future. Oh and their shop name gives me a little giggle every time I see it :)
Here is a link to their shop! www.BuyMyCrap.etsy.com

Self Portrait Friday 6/52

2010-02-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm still nasty sick so I decided to take a picture of my ear without a plug in. I know this may be odd to some but it is something I really love about myself.

I got my ears pierced at 13 after many many years of bugging my parents. The finally caved first my sister got hers done and they tried to stop me but I got mine done a year after she did hers. They made a deal with us, they would take us to get our ears done and we would never get anything else done, no other piercings (even in the ears) tattoos...nothing. We agreed but for them it was like making a deal with the devil, it wasn't going to turn out well on their part.

I started to try stretching my ears around 15, not big or anything just up to 14 or 12 at first and got up to 6g by the time I was 16 but my parents saw it and flipped out, made me take them out and grounded me, needless to say they really really don't like it. After I turned 18 (well before but secretly and not a lot) I began stretching again and got to 3/4" I believe. Then I got pregnant and decided to take them out when I had Milo. I didn't have them out long and when I put them back in I was already up to a 0. Now 4 years later I'm at 1 1/16" and don't plan on stopping soon.

I love the look of huge lobes and would like to eventually get up to 1 1/2" (although my friends say NOOOO!!!). I have come to accept that if I ever do want "normal" lobes again I may need to get them sewn up and I'm okay with that. For me stretching my ears is like a growing process. It's a part of me and it makes me feel beautiful. My parents still don't accept it, but deal with it. I hope one day they will understand but I don't see that happening.

V-Day Giveaway!!!

2010-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sooo I'm joining the v-day spirit and doing a giveaway. My first giveaway to be exact.

I never really cared for valentines day, I either didn't have a boyfriend or didn't have one that cared enough to get me anything. I think the only thing I ever did get on valentines day was half a soft pretzel :/

BUT seeing all the beautiful things on etsy and hearing of couples that found each other and have a happy life owning an etsy store...well it got me all mushy and optimistic.

Although I still don't know where to look for a decent man so any pointers would help! Seriously...not kidding there...craigslist is creeping me out yet I still go on to look and see what's out there. Bad idea??

Anyways here's what's up for grabs!
The winner gets to pick between a cowl (choice of color) or hat (again choice of color) in my shop!

Rules-
You have to be a follower
Leave a comment telling me about your best V-Day

Additional entries-
blog or tweet about my giveaway (please include link to my blog and don't forget to let me know you tweeted or blogged!).

I will randomly pick the winner on Valentines Day. Please spread the word, I only have a few blog followers so anything will help!

Little Update

2010-02-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

So I'm venturing back into ebay :/
I HATE HATE HATE ebay. I've been in it since the beginning with my parents and it's gotten sooo much worse. But for now I need to stick it out. I'm going to frequent auctions more so I can support myself more until etsy hits off or I find some fantastic craft fairs to get into (although those only happen once a year or so).
I think I just need to go into it with high hopes. Fingers crossed for now! I put a few auctions up today and hopefully they do okay.

Still sick, Milo is too...but not as much as I am, that's what really sucks. Not having the energy to run around after him.

New business cards came in the mail today that I'm super excited about. Now I just have to gain more confidence about going up to people and striking up a conversation with them and letting them know I make custom plugs. It's a growing process.

I also received a cute little pouch in the mail that I bought from the dainty squid. I love it and will def be back for more :)

I really want to get my little gal reversible skirt up on etsy but will have to wait until the model is safe to come over (hopefully this cold will leave soon!). Here's a little sneak peak, trust me it looks a lot better on.

Last but not least, I attempted a little cooking tonight. I'm not saying I can't cook...but I only know how to cook a few things really good so this was a little adventure for me. Turned out pretty well, I'm sure it will improve with time.

Stash

2010-01-31T11:40:00.000-08:00

The other day I realized how much fabric I have (again). I opened up a tote that I hadn't opened since before I moved and started digging around in it.
I don't think I've touched any of this fabric since over a year ago...and that was just when I bought and washed it. It's always hard for me to cut into certain fabrics and this whole tote included those certain fabrics. I made a pile (maybe
1/4th of the tote) and decided to cut into them this week. I will most likely be making skirts, maybe some dresses if I feel adventurous. These are all decent cut of fabric too so I'm not sure what I'm so worried about, if anything it will finally be able to be loved by someone instead of just sitting in a tote where no one can see it.
All of it is thrifted, some sheets, some vintage fabric and some cuts of fabric never used.

Today I will be slacking....a lot. I'm sick and hopefully will be better by tomorrow.

Self Portrait Friday with a Little Side Project

2010-01-29T07:18:00.001-08:00

I've been doing self portrait Friday since the begining of the year (52 Fridays). Recently I've decided to do a little project of my own. I'm going to try to post a picture everyday or every other day of things I love about myself, mainly about my body. I use to hate how I looked because I was made fun of or chased by my friends with a tweezers when I was younger because my eyebrows are crazy big (when I don't pluck them). I'm begining to love myself more and more and I'm thinking maybe in the end it will help me figure myself out. I'm hoping I can do this the whole month of Feb.
Here's number 1

Friday Favorites

2010-01-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
arksendeavors.etsy.com

Here are some of my etsy favorites. I cheated this week and just made an etsy mini of my favorite items. Next week it will be more thought out and have a theme.

It has been a strange week to say the least. Thankfully it went by fast.

First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life

2010-01-26T07:14:00.001-08:00

Today is mine. I really need to start cracking down and make this a full time job, like I planned to in the beginning. I get distracted to easily, and start new projects leaving the old ones in a pile to be discovered 6 months later.

I'm getting better at organizing my things and keeping track but something is still missing. I need to write down my goals and have them stare me in the face everyday, constantly. I need to know what I have and what I need to do.

Today is the day that I start to figure it out.
Then again maybe it's just the coffee talking.

Dust Yourself Off and Get Back Up

2010-01-25T19:33:00.001-08:00

Ever time we fall we get back up.
This is something engraved in our minds at a very young age.
When we're learning how to walk we fall, get back up.
Riding a bike and crash, get back up.

Then there are the slightly more serious occasions.
Broken bones will always mend.
Broken hearts will too as long as we let them.

Nothing can stop us, we are built to move forward.

When things get hard just remember to dust yourself off and get back up.

I'm not sure if this makes sense to anyone, but it's something I needed to get out...

I think I need to watch some good old horror movies.

Change.

2010-01-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

I'm full of stories/experiences/life lessons. One friend in particular is always a good listener and we are always telling stories and he often suggests that I've lived the life of ten different people. I on the other hand don't think this way, maybe it's because I lived it and everything I've done does not seem to be abnormal/interesting/cool to me. I do not think I am interesting or talented at all, I'm just full of information and skills that I've acquired throughout the years (most by teaching myself, I love love love to learn new things and don't think that will ever change) but he raves about me to people such as his hair stylest and friends, who in turn think I'm awesome even though they have never met me. It's weird and I feel like if I were to ever meet some of these people I wouldn't live up to their expectations.

He joined me in my trip to MN and on the ride home we started talking about when I was 18 and I was known as "crazy Amanda". He said he would have liked to have known me then. The truth is he wouldn't have liked me, I didn't even like myself and thinking about it makes it all come back. I wasn't a horrible person, but I wasn't a great person either. I didn't make things easy on people and only cared about myself. I lost touch with my true friends and family (who thankfully took me back with open arms).

With age comes change....sometimes. The only reason I was able to get out of my funk is because of my son and the responsibility that came with him. Without him I know for a fact I would not be in a good place or situation right now. I am thankful for him everyday and he pushes me to be a better person. All of the friends I hung out with back then are still in the same situation and I don't see them coming out anytime soon. I'm just glad I escaped. I don't think he will ever know how much he means to me.

Looking Up

2010-01-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been awhile. I skipped out on Friday Favorites (probably not a good thing that I didn't even get one in yet! yikes!! Promise it will be there this Friday).
The weekend was, well unproductive to say the least but I had a blast visiting my bff and wouldn't trade it for anything. We went thrifting in MN and I got some pretty snazzy things! Including some depressing pictures, handmade coffee cups and a handmade owl that opens up.

Now back to reality, as soon as I got home I started filling out applications and working on some things that I put off last week. I already have some pictures of some new items that will be going in the shop but I'm planning to list on Saturday mornings only now, that way I can get a ton done and put it on all at once instead of one here and there. So look for new things starting this Saturday!!
This lovely lady has also helped me a little with my plugs and I am getting crazy amounts of contacts on flickr and messages (pst she's having a giveaway right now for her cute little coin purses! Go check it out!!). Things are finally starting to fall into place and I love it.
There's not much else to say right now. I am stretching my ears up to 1 1/16" and getting new tunnels for myself so expect to see some new designs available soon!

Helping one another out.

2010-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Far to often we think about ourselves over others. I would love to see this change in all people but I don't think that will ever happen. I have met far to many people that think the world revolves around them (some bad some good). It boggles my mind how someone comes to think this way, I'm not saying I don't think this way at times, I do (I think everyone does once in awhile) but the people that live like this every single day....how does that happen??
We get what we work for, yes it may be easier for some people in certain situations, but in some way they still struggle with things just like you and I. No one is guaranteed anything in life, except that it's going to be hard.
That brings me to the point of this blog. I'm not sure how I stumbled on her blog but as of now she is one of my favorites RubyPearl. Her latest blog is about a girl she has never met and is trying to help in the most unselfish way possible. Please read her story and if you can help at all it would be appreciated.
I wish people help others like this all the time. She makes me want to make the world a better place, she reassures me that there's more people that don't think the world revolves around just them.

Featured In A Blog! And Some Promotional Talkage

2010-01-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Sooo I received a convo today from a lovely lady letting me know my owl trivet was featured in her blog! Check it out!! It's pretty darn cute!! My shop is also featured on the sidebar on the EtsyVeg blog right now :)
I've been featured in treasury's before and that's pretty exciting but never in a blog!!! Well except for my sil's but I'm not sure if that counts :/
I think I'm on the right track with things now and this is defiantly reassuring my thoughts. It also has me thinking of more ways I can promote my shop (doing better but I know there's sooooo much more I could do). From now on I will be doing Friday Favorites, some with themes so without...All of things I love.
There has been a slight, actually major change in my plans this week. I am still going to work on my goals but I now have less time to do it. I was approached with an offer I couldn't pass up and will be heading to MN (where my bff lives) for the weekend. While there I plan to get a lot accomplished though. I will defiantly be stopping in Madison to show my plugs to the rethreads store up there and see if they are interested. I will also be researching places to stop by in MN and show my goods to. Hopefully I can get out there quite a bit. Wish me luck!!!

Life...And Goals For The Week

2010-01-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

When I think of life the things that come to mind right now at this very moment are-hard, annoying, unfair, etc. Everything seems to be hitting me very hard these past few days. Milo is being very very difficult to say the least, I'm sure my neighbors don't appreciate it but hopefully they understand (they have a little girl the same age that I often hear and it seems like we're going through some of the same issues). My etsy shop is doing..well okay I suppose, I've had a few sales for the new year and my pictures are improving a lot sometimes I just wish it were easier but then again you get out what you put in right? I have my own place, don't get me wrong I love it, I'm just starting to realize how much I'm going to have to make to actually be able to keep it and live a stable life. That gets me to this point, I've decided I need a job...at least part time, for both my living situation and my sanity. I think I need a little break from Milo every now and then (we're together basically 24/7). Don't get me wrong I love it but when there's no one there to help you who do you go to when it gets to hard and you need a helping hand? But I guess that's just life though isn't it?
Sorry for the little rant. I suppose it's just easier to write things down then actually talk to people about them (for me anyway).

Now on to my goals for the week!
1. Figure out sizing for a shirt I will be putting in the shop (hopefully this week!)
2. Organize things for taxes
3. Look for a job (already started on that one)
4. Work on more soap! And getting some in the shop (packaging also!!)
5. Finish reupholstering the living room chair

I finished up the pdf last night! I'm soooo happy with how it turned out and can't wait to do more in the near future! Putting it up in the shop today, hopefully it goes well!

Stretching

2010-01-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

Right now my ears are at 1". In this picture I'm holding a 2" tunnel, of course I wouldn't go that big but I really really would like to go up a bit. The thought of this is both exciting and terrifying. I haven't stretched my ears in quite some time, and I have gone to fast in the past and torn my ears (OUCH! Never again). The next size up that I have is 1 1/16" and it's quite a stretch from 1", still trying to decide what to do and how to do it, it will take some time but I think I'm up for another stretch.

Now onto my goals for the week.
1. Finish up the chairs for my dinning room table
Done. Well sort of, two are totally finished and the other two are half finished I still need to replace the wood :/ But thankfully there's only two of us so the chairs don't need to be done this second (procrastinating??). They will however be done by next week for sure.

I might just have to find some other chairs to reupholster to go with my formica table! These are just so darn cute with my little round white table!
2. Figure out how to write up a pdf patter the cowl
Pattern-done
Pictures-done
Pdf-not done. Still working on it and hope to have it all put together by the end of the night if I can figure it all out (I'm a technological idiot).
3. Getting a new item up in the shop.
This goal was talking about these little cuties

I also was able to get some other things up in the shop that I've been putting off including the owl trivets and baby hat (I posted about this week) and a reversible custom skirt listing I've been putting off for far to long.

And soap!!! I finally tried making goats milk soap (with success!)

All in all this week was pretty good (I even ended up making a shirt for myself today). But it could have been better. This upcoming week I'm going to challenge myself more.

Soap

2010-01-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

Sooooo it's been awhile since I whipped out the supplies and made soap (far to long). Recently I got the urge to start making it again even though I still have tons left over from my last adventure.
One of the reasons I put it on hold was because it never really took off in my shop, even though I sold some locally to some wonderful ladies I was very discouraged. That and I was being overwhelmed by soap everywhere. So I gave most of it away to friends and family.
The urge came back to me not to long ago, although I can't remember why. I decided to test out goats milk soap and order some essential oils to make more scents (unlike before where I only had a few). The oils are on their way (hopefully they get here soon!) and I tried out a couple batches with goats milk last night. The first batch went very well, then I got a little overconfident and decided to try out a second using goats milk aloe vera and honey! It was a lot of fun making it but when I cut it up this morning it was still a little watery, kind of gooey on the outside but super dry and hard on the inside. I have NEVER had this happen so I have no idea what is going on!!! It's a very beautiful soap and smells really good also (it actually looks kind of like pumpkin pie). I just hope it turns out well and I don't have any problems with it.
But then again you live and learn right??
Batch 1-Goats Milk Soap

Batch 2-Goats Milk, Aloe Vera and Honey Soap

I can't wait to try this soap out! And eventually have it up in my shop :)

Agg only a couple more days to finish up my pdf!! It's going well so far so I have high hopes. The pictures are all set and so is the pattern...I just hope I can figure out how to put it all together!
Off to get ready and brave the snow! Not to bad right now but I'm sure it'll get worse.

Better...

2010-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

Things are finally starting to come together, maybe I should watch what I say so I don't jinx myself!
I was able to visit 3 (yes 3!!) of the people I love today and get some grocery shopping done all before 1!! Usually I don't see anyone, especially in the winter. I'm usually a hermit and do things by myself but when it's cold I try not to plan things with people to much so I don't have to go out if I don't need to (even though I usually end up bored and going to the thrift store by myself :/).
Milo is getting back onto his regular sleep schedule (FINALLY!!!) and went down last night around 8...and woke up at 6 (like his regular sleep schedule). Even though I had my alarm set at 6 I was def not prepared for this! It's been nice "sleeping in" until 7:30 the past few weeks and it's soooo dark at 6!!!! But it's for the best.
We were out the door and headed to Woodmans by 8:30, I'm not sure how but when we got there (probably half an hour away from where we live now) time flew by and it was already quarter to ten. So off to my cousins house to take some pictures of her little man in some hats I made up awhile ago.

It was nice seeing her, even for the short amount of time we were there.
Then off to my grandparents for a quick hello. Its always nice seeing them and I'm never in the area. The grandma food is always a plus :)
After that I went thrifting with one of my good friends and picked up a wool army blanket for a very decent price.
Even though I was only able to see each person for about an hour it was really nice, I miss everyone and sometimes take for granted how many wonderful people I have in my life. I just wanted to take the time to say I love you all!

And now to finish off with some awesome news, I got some goats milk today and plan on making some soap tonight! Super excited and can't wait! I also have my oils coming (no later than next Tuesday) and can't wait to get soap back in my shop! Pics tomorrow!

I got a few more items into my shop today also, keeping up with my goals and it's making me feel better about things everyday :)

Does it ever end???

2010-01-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

So Milo is about to turn 3 and he's getting sassier by the minute! Every day is a constant struggle with him. I understand that it's not going to be easy but man would it be nice for a little break or to have him help out cleaning up his toys...something...anything!?!
It may be the fact that we just moved...and then there was Christmas, and my bff visiting...everything was thrown out of whack and I never thought it would be this hard to try and get it back on track.
As I type he's in his room for nap time...not napping but still in his room. I suppose we're on our way back to the way things used to be. I just wish it was easier.

Sorry for the little vent, I just have been having a rough couple of weeks. Good news today though! More items are up in the shop including these fancy fellas

And this little project I've had in my head for quite some time now

P.s. Still keeping up on all my goals!!

Goals For The Week

2010-01-04T14:43:00.001-08:00

1. Finish up the chairs for my dinning room table
Here's a before picture

After picture (done in red vinyl)

I have two finished already and need to get a couple pieces of wood so I can fix up the other two and finish them off. I also have a chair I have to finish up for the living room that I hope to get finished this week.

2. Figure out how to write up a pdf patter for this bad boy cowl

Hopefully that won't be to hard of a task (see I'm keeping up on my new years goals yay!).

3. Getting a new item up in the shop. It's a secret but you'll see it soon enough :)

I am doing very well with keeping up on things and becoming more organized, granted it's only the 4th day of the new year. I don't think it will be as hard as I thought it would be.

Tomorrow I will be taking pictures for my sister and future brother in laws engagement announcements! Super excited about that. I am also very pleased with how my pictures are coming along. Look at this fabulous find I finally was able to take a picture of today

As much as I would love to keep it I think it will be in my shop soon.

Milo has been a handful since the move then christmas and new years. He's not taking his usual afternoon nap and is very very emotional and cranky because of it. I've been very frustrated and lost lately but I'm hoping it will get better (I mean it can't get much worse). We just need to get back into the groove of things. Sometimes I really really wish there was an easy button that would make everything fit into place.

I Never Liked Resolutions

2010-01-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Resolution-a solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc.

I don't feel like I have problems I need to fix. I have things I would like to do (not necessarily change or fix). So instead I have goals for this year, I had goals last year and I don't even remember them so I am writing a list this year to keep track of what I need to accomplish.

I am happy with my life but I still feel like I need to grow up in a way, be more organized and figure things out and make it stick. Here are some of my goals for the year, I'm already off track due to some over enjoyment on new years eve but starting tonight (I'll probably be up all night working on things) I will work on my goals.

1. Keep track of EVERYTHING, organize and run my business like...well a business, not just something I'm going to forget about and leave behind someday. This is what I want to do and this is what I am going to do for my career, I need to realize that.
2. Work on my relationships with people. I will admit I have a hard shell in certain situations. Maybe I will finally go on a date, not just hang out with guys and view them as my friends, I need someone there for me and as much as I hate to admit it I can't do everything on my own.
3. Finish up the apartment and get it looking decent. It's not horrible right now but it does need the finishing touches (like putting the clothes in the closet/dresser and not having them lay on the dryer forever). It's slowly coming together and I love it.
4. Work on promoting my etsy shop, keeping up on adding/making items and keep up on my blog (a "resolution" I had last year).
5. Writing down my ideas instead of blowing them off and thinking I will write/sketch them down later, it never happens and I should know that by now. I plan to carry a sketch book with me everywhere I go.

That is all I can think of right now. I need to print out a list and put it up somewhere that I will be able to see it everyday and keep it in my mind that I need to do these things even if I don't feel like it.

My etsy shop has improved a lot since I opened it, better pictures, more items and more of a variety. I would like to stick mostly to the eco friendly and natural view I have and recycle as much as possible. I plan to get back into soap making and ordered some oils yesterday that I am very very excited about. I still plan to make plugs, but mainly made to order so I don't waste any supplies or time (not that I have, but it just seems to make more sense this way). I really want to get into doing more clothes and have some friends who are willing to help me with it (boys clothes and modeling). I will also be putting some knitting/crochet patterns up in the shop in the near future that I am excited about.

I am very excited but also nervous about the new year, no more putting things off and everything is going to be organized. I hope you all have luck with your goals and even though sometimes it feels like there's no hope, just remember in the back of your mind that there is always hope for everyone in every situation and you can pull through.

Waiting

2009-12-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Usually I am a pretty patient person. This past week however, not so much. I'm sooo excited for the possibilities and what could happen in the future. Moving out is a big part of it. I'm hoping on this one apartment and if you've talked to me recently you know I can't shut up about it (sorry I'm sure it's getting old). I found out yesterday they accepted my application for one of the first apartments I looked at so that gives me high hopes for the one I really want. I'll shut up about it now but keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for me please :)
I also have been working on some more dresses and what not, just no place to photograph :/ I'll def get some pictures before my next craft show though just in case I have some sell I'll have some pictures of them. I found a lovely lady up in Milwaukee that I want to take etsy pictures for me in the near future (late jan early feb) as long as I get my inventory up. Hopefully that will spike up my sales and show the quality of the items.
It's probably unhealthy how excited I am for things and I hope I'm not getting my hopes up but I can dream can't I???

Up since 2am and unable to get anymore sleep.

2009-12-03T03:47:00.000-08:00

Ugh exhausting past couple of days. I decided to move out of my sisters and her boyfriends house on Sunday, we're just not in the same living mindset at the moment and it's best for everyone. I will finally have my own place!!! It started out bad though, the way I told my sister I was moving out was not the best (in a heated argument) and I started packing the next day (looking to move out mid month). It was tense for a couple of days but then we both leveled up and talked about it like adults, and we both agree it's for the best (for everyone). I began searching for apartments/flats all that jazz. We found a few that were decent (still looking!!) but one that really caught my eye. I have always loved these apartments, well lofts, and never thought I would be able to get into them but I've realized these past couple of years nothing is impossible. I called to see if there were any available and there's a two bedroom for a pretty decent price. I went in without high hopes just in case but I fell in love with the place and it is where I would like to be and could make a home. It is focused on art and artist, there's a darkroom, kiln, painting studio, mini theater and sooo much more available for the tenants. The lofts are HUGE and I would be able to fit all my stuff in it and still have mass amounts of space! There are also soooo many wonderful photo spots (in the loft and throughout the building) that would be awesome for improving my etsy pictures. I'm handing in my application tomorrow again not with high hopes, it will work out how it's supposed to and I will keep looking in the meantime but I am excited to see what the future holds.
I have also been job searching for the past couple of days for a part time possibly full time job. This is going to be an adventure and I am very very excited for it. Of course I will still be creating and selling my works in my spare time.
Now to explain why I've been up since two in the morning, Milo couldn't sleep so of course that means I can't either ahhh motherhood (I still love it). The morning was very eventful to say the least, more so drama filled but I won't get into that. Now it's 6 and the hopes of more sleep are basically impossible. Here comes the coffee!! A couple of updates, since I've been packing it's hard to take good pictures of the new items (aka dresses) I have made so those may have to hold off until later.
I recently realized how much vinyl I have and started cutting into it yesterday to make some little bags/pouches/clutches whatever you'd like to call them. Here's a little sneak peak

I may line them all with lime green fabric I thrifted some time ago that I need to cut into :)
Goodbye for now! Hopefully I will be able to get some pics up of the dresses before the end of the week.

New Updates

2009-11-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

So the fashion market didn't go as well as I had hoped. I think it may have been due to the holiday weekend. Only a handfull of people showed up but I did make my money back and came up with some new ideas. I also met some amazing people and plan on going back for the fashion market on the 19th, with clothes added onto my inventory (already have three finished.
The best thing about the fashion market is it really put things into perspective on where I want to be and what I have to do. I got started right away this week, I'm cleaning out my whole craft room and not buying anymore fabric until I use a lot of what I have up. I ordered some new business cards (not just ones that I print up at home), came up with a logo and made some tags today!!!!

I did half with the recycle image on it and half without since some of the things I make are half/half recycled/new items, but I am going to strive for all recycled items in the near future.
I also put a new wool cowl up in my shop that is made to order. I love the stitch pattern I came up for it!!! And it's super soft!!

While I was going through my fabric stash I organized and put all the solids together and made up a little color chart. These are the corors I will be offering in my shop for the reversible skirts.
I'm also going to be moving again so right now I am working on cleaning out my life (again) I already have a few bags for goodwill and I know it won't end there. Apartment and job searching will be part of my daily life the next couple of weeks, fun fun fun.
Hope everyone has a good week!!!!!

Giveaway from The Dainty Squid

2009-11-17T07:38:00.001-08:00

I love this lady, she's so cute and has great style. Check out her blog!

You Win Some, You Lose Some

2009-11-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

The craft show I went to at our local mall did not go as planned at all. I was supposed to be there Friday through Sunday over 9 hours each day (except Sunday). I did not have a sitter for Milo until about 5 for Friday and Saturday so I had to bring him with me. When I arrived to set up I saw where I was located, def not the best place especially for what I was selling. I sold $3 Friday and left an hour early, I had some other people come up to me and say they also sold less than $10 and one guy wasn't even coming back because it wasn't worth his time. I also found out that in the past years they had all the crafters grouped together, that was not the case this year, we were scattered throughout the whole mall. I went back on Saturday with very little hope and packed up an hour after being there, no one was even looking at my stuff. This discouraged me greatly but I guess you win some and you lose some. I have a fashion market in two weeks that I am very very excited for and I did get a lot whipped out last week so I have twice as much inventory as I did before (with more to come). All in all I'm going to take it as a learning experiance, I did just jump right in when I should have found out how much advertising they did and how they had done in the past years. I will def not be going back to that craft show.
Good news, I brought Milos car bed upstairs and he's finally in a big boy bed (and doing good!). His bookshelf is up there (not all his books but it's a start) and everything is organized finally. I also made some curtains here's a little view of it. Don't mind the wall we're still working on it and I want to sand everything down before painting so it won't look clumpy.

I'm also working on some clothes this week as long as I keep with it and Milo cooperates.