I just wanted to make a quick post while I was thinking of it to promote the upcoming Nexus Festival. They have made a myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/nexusfestival
There will be members of the etsy team Lincoln Handmade there, so be sure to check it out if you're local.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Kitty Kitty Meow Meow!
I'm just in a fuzzy furball mood this morning! I realized I had several kitties favorited in my flickr (I love you flickr) and thought I would share them!
1. Untitled, 2. 100_2954, 3. Muffi, 4. Cosmo & Jessie - We are da management!, 5. loki, 6. thinker #3
And of course, I can't leave off a photo of my charmers!
1. Untitled, 2. 100_2954, 3. Muffi, 4. Cosmo & Jessie - We are da management!, 5. loki, 6. thinker #3
And of course, I can't leave off a photo of my charmers!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Moving?
I have moved a lot in my life, mainly as an adult. I don't mind moving, it kind of gives me a 'fresh start' on things. I'm a packrat by nature and moving forces me to clear out a bit of the junk every once in awhile. I've moved three times in the last three years. Actually, I've been averaging a move nearly every year for the past 7 or 8 years.
After having Elsa, we moved into a three bedroom home. We thought we would be here for at least 3 or 4 years, but when the prospect of a larger three bedroom home came up, we are seriously considering taking it. We underestimated just how much room we would need. For one thing, my etsy business takes up a lot of room, and when we moved in here, a bit over a year ago, the business wasn't even started. So that has created a lot of space issues. The office/studio where all my stuff is was supposed to be a den area where we could watch tv or Josh could set up his drums. But now that this room is full of craft supplies- the drums sit neglected (and in the way) in the bedroom.
Elsa takes up more room than we thought too! We really don't WANT to move, and we really don't WANT to pay more rent, but we just feel like we'd be happier if we did. Also, this new place is closer to the places we frequent, like the zoo and the organic food market. In fact, we could WALK to the zoo from this new place, which is rad. Hopefully we'll have made a desiscion this week on weather we're going to do it or not. Not knowing makes me feel so unsettled!
After having Elsa, we moved into a three bedroom home. We thought we would be here for at least 3 or 4 years, but when the prospect of a larger three bedroom home came up, we are seriously considering taking it. We underestimated just how much room we would need. For one thing, my etsy business takes up a lot of room, and when we moved in here, a bit over a year ago, the business wasn't even started. So that has created a lot of space issues. The office/studio where all my stuff is was supposed to be a den area where we could watch tv or Josh could set up his drums. But now that this room is full of craft supplies- the drums sit neglected (and in the way) in the bedroom.
Elsa takes up more room than we thought too! We really don't WANT to move, and we really don't WANT to pay more rent, but we just feel like we'd be happier if we did. Also, this new place is closer to the places we frequent, like the zoo and the organic food market. In fact, we could WALK to the zoo from this new place, which is rad. Hopefully we'll have made a desiscion this week on weather we're going to do it or not. Not knowing makes me feel so unsettled!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
SAHM Interview with SnugBugClothing
Today is a great interview with SAHM SnugBugClothing!
Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. My ultimate financial goal for my Etsy business is to contribute finacially to my family. My intention is to run my business as a real business, not just a hobby, and as with any business I expect financial gain eventually. I belive that Etsy will make a fantastic addition to my existing website and wholesale business, and allow me to reach a broader market.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My son is only two so he doesn't help much at this point. Mind you, he is really great at cleaning up fabric scraps. That is, of course, if picking them up, running away with them, and scattering them all over the house counts as "cleaning". I don't plan to have him help when he's older - with the nature of my products I don't feel that there's much he can really help with. But he'll always be welcome to help with dinner!
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. The best advice I can give in trying to balance children and an at-home job is to schedule your time. It can sometimes be too easy to become distracted by work and before you know it, the entire day is gone and you realize you haven't played with your kids. Play with your kids! It is great for clearing your mind to allow those new ideas to come through. I designate nap time every day as my work time, along with an hour or two after my son goes to bed. I don't like to work too much in the evenings as that is my "alone" time with my fiance. Designate time for each person and each task (including yourself!), and no one will feel neglected.
Visit Her Shop Today!
Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. My ultimate financial goal for my Etsy business is to contribute finacially to my family. My intention is to run my business as a real business, not just a hobby, and as with any business I expect financial gain eventually. I belive that Etsy will make a fantastic addition to my existing website and wholesale business, and allow me to reach a broader market.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My son is only two so he doesn't help much at this point. Mind you, he is really great at cleaning up fabric scraps. That is, of course, if picking them up, running away with them, and scattering them all over the house counts as "cleaning". I don't plan to have him help when he's older - with the nature of my products I don't feel that there's much he can really help with. But he'll always be welcome to help with dinner!
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. The best advice I can give in trying to balance children and an at-home job is to schedule your time. It can sometimes be too easy to become distracted by work and before you know it, the entire day is gone and you realize you haven't played with your kids. Play with your kids! It is great for clearing your mind to allow those new ideas to come through. I designate nap time every day as my work time, along with an hour or two after my son goes to bed. I don't like to work too much in the evenings as that is my "alone" time with my fiance. Designate time for each person and each task (including yourself!), and no one will feel neglected.
Visit Her Shop Today!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Rainbow Jellyfish
Rainbow Jellyfish was featured today!
I think this is the third time I've been on Cuteable.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Elsa Toy Explosion
I keep a bag of her baby toys up in her closet. It's nothing she really loves, just a bunch of random stuff. Well I was trying to finish a project and I just could NOT interest her in any of the usual activities. So, I sat the bag in her room, unzipped it and let her have at it!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tag Game
I’ve been tagged! Remember playing tag as a child…”You’re It.” Well this past week I was “tagged”; maybe you will want to play too.
I was tagged by NoraDora
Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up
Random Things About Me:
1. I was born and raised in Nebraska (and live here currently) but I also have lived in Arizona, Texas, Florida and New York.
2. I currently have eleven piercings.
3. I never use a pattern when I crochet. I've never had good luck with them AND with a toddler, it would be SO hard to keep track of where I am in it!
4. I got a tangerine Townie cruiser for my birthday this year.
5. I've never lived alone.
6. Favorites: Green, 17, Burritos or Spaghetti
People I Am Tagging:
1. Racheal of http://thelittleillustrator.blogspot.com/
2. Jordan of http://StrickenKnits.blogspot.com
3. Korinne of http://www.crafterella.blogspot.com/
4. Deb of http://www.mjumbo.blogspot.com/
5. Kelly of http://refibered.blogspot.com/
6. Kim of http://kimtedrow.blogspot.com/
TAG your it!!
I was tagged by NoraDora
Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you
2) Post the rules on your blog (this is what you are now reading)
3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below)
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them (This is only a game)
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up
Random Things About Me:
1. I was born and raised in Nebraska (and live here currently) but I also have lived in Arizona, Texas, Florida and New York.
2. I currently have eleven piercings.
3. I never use a pattern when I crochet. I've never had good luck with them AND with a toddler, it would be SO hard to keep track of where I am in it!
4. I got a tangerine Townie cruiser for my birthday this year.
5. I've never lived alone.
6. Favorites: Green, 17, Burritos or Spaghetti
People I Am Tagging:
1. Racheal of http://thelittleillustrator.blogspot.com/
2. Jordan of http://StrickenKnits.blogspot.com
3. Korinne of http://www.crafterella.blogspot.com/
4. Deb of http://www.mjumbo.blogspot.com/
5. Kelly of http://refibered.blogspot.com/
6. Kim of http://kimtedrow.blogspot.com/
TAG your it!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Great Interview!
Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. I do want to make a serious business out of my it and hopefully (one day) be able to help out with the money I earn. Right now, any little bit I make goes back into supplies.
My husband, Julian is very good at helping me balance my business finances. We keep very strict records on what I spend and what I make. We also have a plan and goals for the business. We are aware that seeing a profit might take time.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My 10 year old, Julio loves to do whatever I am doing. I love to work with him because he is so willing to learn. My 13 year old (Caleb) is not very crafty and prefers action games and sports. Daisy, my 8 year old is too busy being the boss to do crafts. She does prefer scrapbooking and paper crafts, but she prefers to work alone.
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. Well, I homeschool as well as run a business out of my home, so I have had to learn to balance many tasks at once.
My advice would be to always put the family things first. After the kids have done their school work, hubby's lunch has been fixed and the household chores are done, then let everyone know that you are working....Take it seriously. If it is going to be a business, it has to be treated like one.
My family knows that when I say I will be in my work room "Working" it is "Do Not Disturb Mom" time. My 13 year old is very helpful when it comes to keeping the 2 youngest in line when I am busy working.
Also, never take on too much work at once. Go at an even steady pace and don't expect to get rich quick.
Thanks Renee!
A. I do want to make a serious business out of my it and hopefully (one day) be able to help out with the money I earn. Right now, any little bit I make goes back into supplies.
My husband, Julian is very good at helping me balance my business finances. We keep very strict records on what I spend and what I make. We also have a plan and goals for the business. We are aware that seeing a profit might take time.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My 10 year old, Julio loves to do whatever I am doing. I love to work with him because he is so willing to learn. My 13 year old (Caleb) is not very crafty and prefers action games and sports. Daisy, my 8 year old is too busy being the boss to do crafts. She does prefer scrapbooking and paper crafts, but she prefers to work alone.
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. Well, I homeschool as well as run a business out of my home, so I have had to learn to balance many tasks at once.
My advice would be to always put the family things first. After the kids have done their school work, hubby's lunch has been fixed and the household chores are done, then let everyone know that you are working....Take it seriously. If it is going to be a business, it has to be treated like one.
My family knows that when I say I will be in my work room "Working" it is "Do Not Disturb Mom" time. My 13 year old is very helpful when it comes to keeping the 2 youngest in line when I am busy working.
Also, never take on too much work at once. Go at an even steady pace and don't expect to get rich quick.
Thanks Renee!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Urban Joy
I took this photo of my daughter today, down in our Haymarket. I had been wanting to take some pictures of her for awhile down in that area, because there are so many nice old brick buildings. A very classic urban feel.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forums
Actually, the funniness was IN the (etsy) forums. Here, the original post sets it up:
When you click Pets and then Small Animals, Hamster is misspelled. It has never had a P in it. I hope someone can fix this soon since Etsy will get more coverage due to the Good Morning America story about it.
And the replies... for some reason (tiny rich hamsters) these crack me up!
Coconutty says,
maybe they are for upscale hamsters who come from the hamptons
Later underroos says,
I'm still imagining a family of old money hampsters who vacation in the Hamptons. Wearing tiny pillbox hats with veils and monocles.
In other news, I temporarily misplaced my most favorite crochet hook. I hate when I do that. I was retracing my steps all over the house, trying to find it. I kept picturing in my mind the last few times I used it. I ended up finding it in the bathroom trash! Thank-goodness I discovered it before it was lost for good! (Not too exciting how it got in there- fell out of my pocket while I was giving the baby a bath tonight!)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Oh No! The Craft Store...
We all know how it is... you are out of some craft item... No REALLY! you are.. you swear... you just need 2 things... well maybe 4 things... you make your list... you head to the craft store... and
On the left is the list I made before leaving for the craft store. On the right is just MY bag of items purchased (my mom had a whole other bag full for herself!) I didn't do TOO bad... I got some cotton yarn (it was new! I will make a scarf with it, I promise!) and some orange yarn (I hadn't seen this color yet...I'll make a pumpkin with it, I promise!) and an ink pad (another not on the list item...) Oh yean and a giant pink calculator for my little shopping assistant:
On the left is the list I made before leaving for the craft store. On the right is just MY bag of items purchased (my mom had a whole other bag full for herself!) I didn't do TOO bad... I got some cotton yarn (it was new! I will make a scarf with it, I promise!) and some orange yarn (I hadn't seen this color yet...I'll make a pumpkin with it, I promise!) and an ink pad (another not on the list item...) Oh yean and a giant pink calculator for my little shopping assistant:
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Felted Punk Toy
Heheh. I had a lot of fun constructing this. I used brown wool yarn for the body, then I felted it. After stuffing/eyeballs and sewing on his bottom, I added a angora bunny fur mohawk. It makes me giggle, the thought of fluffy bunny hair being used to make him so punk. ;-)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fun Crafty Quotes
"Crafts fill my day, not to mention the living room, bedroom, and closets."
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
"A painting is never finished, it just stops in interesting places."
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
"A painting is never finished, it just stops in interesting places."
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
SAHM part two with Oldbagcrafts
And now for our second featured shop: oldbagcrafts
Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store?
A. At first, I was looking for money for extras - the little treats and luxuries. Since my husband got made redundant two weeks ago, it's become a little more important (since I would like to carry on staying home!) and now I aim to cover housekeeping costs like groceries, toiletries etc.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My youngest (two and a half) provides entertainment and demonstrations of bobbin-rolling and thread-unravelling. My daughter aged 5 is an expert at 'un-inside-outing' (as she calls it) the sewn bags. She likes to sit next to me and do it as I sew. We have lovely chats doing that while her little brother naps. They are both great party bag testers! My daughter also likes to design bags for me and keeps asking when will I make them.
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. If they can be involved it helps enormously - even little things like having a box of scraps for them to play and craft with. I have my workstation set up in a family area so I do little things whenever they are occupied and don't need me - I get most of my cutting and pinning done when they are colouring etc. It's hard, though!
Q. Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store?
A. At first, I was looking for money for extras - the little treats and luxuries. Since my husband got made redundant two weeks ago, it's become a little more important (since I would like to carry on staying home!) and now I aim to cover housekeeping costs like groceries, toiletries etc.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My youngest (two and a half) provides entertainment and demonstrations of bobbin-rolling and thread-unravelling. My daughter aged 5 is an expert at 'un-inside-outing' (as she calls it) the sewn bags. She likes to sit next to me and do it as I sew. We have lovely chats doing that while her little brother naps. They are both great party bag testers! My daughter also likes to design bags for me and keeps asking when will I make them.
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. If they can be involved it helps enormously - even little things like having a box of scraps for them to play and craft with. I have my workstation set up in a family area so I do little things whenever they are occupied and don't need me - I get most of my cutting and pinning done when they are colouring etc. It's hard, though!
Featured Shops With Stay At Home Moms
I wanted to ask my fellow SAHM and Etsy sellers a bit about how they run things with children.
Today I will feature two of these great Etsians: Kymsart777 and oldbagcrafts
First up is Kymsart777:
Q.Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. My financial goals are ultimately to have a successful business which is profitable, productive and enjoyable! I have had several crafts businesses in the past, one in particular was extremely profitable...but at the time, my kids were little and the money simply was not worth the time that it took away from my family. I decided to close at that time and about 2 years later, started my Etsy business. At present, I reinvest most of my profits back into my business...I have high hopes that I will soon be able to maintain a profit.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My children have always helped me with my business. We used to joke that they would be born at a crafts fair or covered in glitter and glue! They always come up with ideas and I listen with open ears! I bounce ideas off of them as well. They help more as they get older, and have always been a part of helping with crafts fairs, promoting and the like. My oldest daughter has just started her own jewelry business...I have to get her to open a store on Etsy!
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. For me, home and family are always first...Always! I have taught my kids to respect what I do as "work", often people assume that because you are at home, and crafting, that it is just a hobby. I have a dedicated space that is for my "work", and treat my home business as I would any other. I get up, get dressed for work, and close up shop in the evening for family time. I give myself vacation time and sick days...It helps. My family knows that this is my "job", and respect that fact. It helps to make sure there are boundaries, but that my family feels a part of what I am doing. We celebrate the highs, and work through the lows together. Like I said though, Family is first..that is why I am a SAHM.
Today I will feature two of these great Etsians: Kymsart777 and oldbagcrafts
First up is Kymsart777:
Q.Being a SAHM, what are the financial goals for your etsy store? (To help support your family? To just support your craft? Etc.)
A. My financial goals are ultimately to have a successful business which is profitable, productive and enjoyable! I have had several crafts businesses in the past, one in particular was extremely profitable...but at the time, my kids were little and the money simply was not worth the time that it took away from my family. I decided to close at that time and about 2 years later, started my Etsy business. At present, I reinvest most of my profits back into my business...I have high hopes that I will soon be able to maintain a profit.
Q. Do your children help at all in your crafting or etsy store? If they aren't old enough, do you plan on having them help when they are older?
A. My children have always helped me with my business. We used to joke that they would be born at a crafts fair or covered in glitter and glue! They always come up with ideas and I listen with open ears! I bounce ideas off of them as well. They help more as they get older, and have always been a part of helping with crafts fairs, promoting and the like. My oldest daughter has just started her own jewelry business...I have to get her to open a store on Etsy!
Q. Do you have any tips for balancing children with an at-home job?
A. For me, home and family are always first...Always! I have taught my kids to respect what I do as "work", often people assume that because you are at home, and crafting, that it is just a hobby. I have a dedicated space that is for my "work", and treat my home business as I would any other. I get up, get dressed for work, and close up shop in the evening for family time. I give myself vacation time and sick days...It helps. My family knows that this is my "job", and respect that fact. It helps to make sure there are boundaries, but that my family feels a part of what I am doing. We celebrate the highs, and work through the lows together. Like I said though, Family is first..that is why I am a SAHM.
Totally Crazy
I've had this huge burst of business energy since returning from my trip to Colorado. I've redesigned my blog. Redid all the graphics for my two etsy stores. I bought a flickr pro account and have been uploading like crazy. I started a new project wonderful ad campaign. Basically I've made a recommitment to focusing on etsy instead of wasting time surfing the net. Though, I admit, I still do that a whole lot too! (Confession: I love reading celebrity gossip! I totally need to go to barnes n noble so I can Meet Vivienne & Knox Jolie-Pitt in the latest issue of People magazine.)
I've also been buying a lot of stuff. It's a friends and my moms birthday this month so I've made a few etsy purchases (Including two crocheted worms for myself. hehehe). I've also been dealing with two etsy disputes. Two people have not delivered goods to me so that's really sucked. Thankfully both orders were under $15, so if I never get a refund, I won't be out TOO much money.
So anyways, that's the most exciting news, other than my local etsy team, Lincoln Handmade, meets tonight. Hopefully that will be fun!
I've also been buying a lot of stuff. It's a friends and my moms birthday this month so I've made a few etsy purchases (Including two crocheted worms for myself. hehehe). I've also been dealing with two etsy disputes. Two people have not delivered goods to me so that's really sucked. Thankfully both orders were under $15, so if I never get a refund, I won't be out TOO much money.
So anyways, that's the most exciting news, other than my local etsy team, Lincoln Handmade, meets tonight. Hopefully that will be fun!
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