New Listings

Wristlet zipper pouches in various prints.I've been trying to photograph items I made over the summer. Even when I take the photos outdoors, as I did with these, the color balance is a challenge.

I expect to list two before the weekend, and then add one per day until they're all listed.

Price Tags

Pricing is one aspect of craft life that I do not relish. Figuring costs and margin of profit, labeling, and book keeping tasks should appeal to my desire to keep things neat and organized, but no such luck.

I am happy with my tags, however. Jelene created my logo. Sweetpaperie made my stamp, and the oval shapes are courtesy of a die cut and a young friend's assistance. The heavy, textured paper came from a garage sale about 7 years ago. At the time I didn't know what I'd use it for, but I just had to buy 1000 sheets of interesting paper for two bucks!

Next, I need to start cutting string and affixing tags to merchandise, as well as marking prices on the back of the tags.

A New Approach

As someone who sews primarily for relaxation and a creative outlet, I typically make one item at a time, following a piece through from conception to completion. Recently, for the sake of efficiency, I've been trying the assembly line approach.

Here are a few pictures of the 25 wristlet zipper pouches I've been working on. I cut all the fabric pieces one night, attached zippers over the course of another few nights, pressed and stitched the straps, and now I'm on the final step. I divided the 25 pouches into three sub-groups according to thread color (black, cream, and orange). Other than that, it's been quite repetitive.

The verdict? This process works, and is especially easy to do while holding conversation with a toddler, but working in bulk can erase some of the fun (although it will be exciting to see such quantity reach completion at once).

Next, I'm going to "assembly line" purses, but only ten at a time. That number might be more psychologically manageable while still helping me to increase inventory for craft shows.

For Keeps?

A tale of two late nights...
Last night I was up about three hours too late. At first I was simply choosing fabrics to go with my assortment of 7" zippers. Before I knew it, I'd cut all of the pieces for 24 wristlet zipper pouches, ironed the fabric. I quit for the night (morning), knowing I needed to get some sleep before embarking on construction of the bags.

Tonight, I fell asleep on the couch while reading and waiting to hang my laundry. I heard the washing machine stop and reluctantly went downstairs to do the chore instead of collapsing into bed.Three hours later, here I am, cruising around the web and uploading pictures of the bag I decided to make myself while I was downstairs. (I'll just cut the fabric...I'll just pin the pieces...I'll just add the pockets...I might as well finish...Why not take some pictures before I start using it...)

The truth is that I very rarely make anything for myself. I use my screw-ups, but in some Puritanical-work-ethic way, it feels vain or wasteful to make something for myself. I always plan to, and now I have. Here's my "Me Bag."Now I really must go to sleep. Mama's gonna be crabby. And these photos pretty much stink.

Granola Totes

I'm really pleased with the new bags I made this weekend: the tree-hugger colors, the shape, structure, straps, and roominess add up to fun and function. The Granola Girl Tote will be very handy for whomever chooses to buy one.
On another self-congratulatory note, I'm also pleased with the ongoing improvements with my photography skills. The Etsy Wiki on photography has helped heaps, though I continue to find plenty of faults to work on.

A Treat from Etsy

Vinyl Vineyard makes great decals! This one caught my eye months ago.
I hearted it, and kept re-visiting her shop to look at all of her products. (I'm a slow decision-maker.)
The shop offers myriad options.
I finally settled on what first caught my eye, and here it is.This new address plaque for my home measures 15" tall by four feet wide. Vinyl Vineyard made the decal (and matching mailbox decals), and I applied it to a board I painted, then hung it. It was very easy to do, thanks to the clear and detailed instructions provided.

The best part? My husband noticed it immediately, and truly likes how it looks. He likes the way the font adds a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright to our otherwise ordinary home.

Thanks, Vinyl Vineyard!

Back to School Bag

Finished the book bags for my nieces. Here's the last one.

Sewing Space

*To see notes on these photos, peek at my Flickr page.As much as it humbles me to look at snapshots of super-organized studio space splashed with natural light and coordinated decor, I have affection for my basement workshop. It could certainly be lighter and prettier,but I so thoroughly enjoy my time in this area that it's always a welcome sight.I suppose this open space suits me more than a magazine-worthy studio anyway. There's promise in unfinished areas. *To read notes on some of these photos, peek at my Flickr page.

Made to Order

I recently treated my nieces to their first fabric store experience. They each chose fabrics for messenger bags they want for school. The first one is complete and pictured here.

My second niece, a third grader, proclaimed, "we should go to New York and shop at Mood!" I'm going to work extra hard on her bag!

Packing and Shipping

Re-using boxes for shipping does not always translate to "ugly". I find clean, undamaged, plain brown and white boxes all of the time, inside other packaging. This box came inside a commercial box that held a file cabinet dolly ordered for work.I certainly overdid the stamping on this one, but usually keep it to one of each of these three: a "thank you," my business logo, and the reduce-reuse-recycle slogan. The rough corrugation on this box made it tough to get the stamps to look clear and even, which lead me to keep going, and going. (Address removed to protect customer privacy)
On the inside, I avoid layers of plastic, tissue, popcorn, or any other unnecessary filler. A simple ribbon, personal note, and item tag with care instructions is all I include.

I know there are many who feel my style is too minimal and therefore lacking panache or taste, but when I receive over-packaged items it is a major turn-off. I don't like having to recycle or re-purpose all that garbage, I don't like thinking about having paid extra for that crud, and I don't like sorting through a package of miscellaneous whatnots like cheap samples, piles of unrelated business cards, or promotional junk just to find what I bought.

That's my mind, and it's not changing! :)

Fabric Belts

Today, I was inspired to create cute belts from fabric and pretty O or D-rings. Whenever I have what seems like a new idea, I search Etsy to see if it's already been done. Turns out I'm not an original thinker, but few Etsians are offering newly made fabric belts.

MountainAshDesign offers 6 "sustainably handmade" belts to make you say "wow".

Among the handbags and accessories, MelissaMoze's shop offers 14 groovy belts embellished with vintage pins, or flowers.

Katwhitt offers Amy Butler fabric belts in her adorable tote, handbag, and accessory shop.

CBStitches offers 30 different belts in an array of cute and mod fabrics.

Neither Star-Struck nor a Stalker

Etsy offers some startling realizations.

1. There are a lot of people much like me.
In spite of all my loner-qualities, I feel a sense of community when I read interviews with and profiles of Etsy artists. This is a rare and precious sensation for a happy misfit like me! (Hmmm, HappyMisfit...that'd make a decent shop name.)

2. Common ground.
The lists of favorite music, movies, and websites for featured artists frequently match my own. When not, they provide fun discoveries.

3. A strong sense of geography.
Although I get a "we could be such great friends if we were neighbors" feeling with crafty folks from east to south to north, I am oddly connected to those in Washington and Oregon. It's a belonging I've felt while traveling there. The connectivity continues: most of my sales are made to that zone, and many of my hearted items were made there.

4. Inspiration.
Stories of passion for creating, strong DIY backgrounds, and willingness to try new things are empowering. For example, although I believe in (and work in) public schools, the many Etsy sellers who have a tribe of home-schooled kids growing gardens and learning life-skills along with academics day-to-day make me dreamy. It's something I admire, but know I couldn't do well year-round.

5. Raising the bar.
Featured sellers are nearly always role-models for item photography, marketing, item descriptions, and a sense of personality in an online shop. The combinations of these factors are great to observe.

6. Occasional eye-rolls.
Once in a while, I am left wondering, "Huh? That stuff sells?"
And who doesn't enjoy a tiny, short-lived sense of bewildered superiority?

Please leave a comment with your own observations on this topic.
(Sorry for the lack of pictures; don't you hate blogs like this?)

Today's Etsy Search: "Rollercoaster"

My family is about to leave for vacation, and all my son will talk about are roller coasters. We have spent hours watching YouTube videos of roller coaster footage and he is pumped!
This has got everything I look for in a roller coaster-riding day! Buy the print from the aptly named screamingphotography.

This somewhat ominous print of an oil painting is available from eveshen's shop.

I love how kellylynraspa's shot offers a colorful peek at fun against gloom.

Self-Portrait Thursday

Closed eyes and goofy grins for the Flickr group.

Sewing and Item Photography

After deciding my self-taught innovation could use some informed technique, I tried using a pattern (my first since junior high). Of course, I couldn't leave it alone and made numerous improvements, such as an extra five pockets. The result is this babe in the gorgeous fabric.

My re-arranged sewing space in the basement led me to create a new indoor photography area. I'm not happy with it, and will need to reinvent the space again soon. I'm finally getting a smidge better at white balance, but much experimentation is still needed.I keep getting blue/gray tints around the edges of my photos and will have to read up on remedies for that. Shadows are another trick. I have to move my lights around to minimize shadows and sometimes I forget (see below).

The butcher paper roll that I hung from the joists above is not wide enough for large shots. I think I'll end up painting part of the wall, though it will mean covering up a mural that holds good memories (see post on my basement walls)

"Trouble" is Today's Etsy Search Term

WildChildCreations uses bright color and dark words to make fun accessories like the pendant above.
3dots calls this necklace "Bubble Trouble" and I adore it. In fact, her whole shop mixes wire, wood, and colorful beads with a fun geometry.
This chapbook, called Trouble with Faces, was compiled by a Michigan writing collective and is offered through Tinuviel's store.

"Tunnel" is the Etsy Search Term for Today

How's this for perspective? I'm able to read my own situation into the two ends of this tunnel--I know what I'm getting myself into, and how far there is to go until it ends. StacyMSmith has plenty more goodies to choose from.
Thanks, DirtyVinyl, for showing me one tunnel that wouldn't make me feel trapped--plenty of sensory feedback in this shot!
This photo reminds me of a recurring dream I used to have. More great views available from Portland-based BraidedLight.

Today's Etsy Search Word: "Rocket"

My son chose today's word of the day, so these are things I'd love to be able to buy for him.

This clock is from Clocky's shop...also called Subterranean Clockworks. Pretty coolio. Large selection, too.

JohnWGolden creates clever, eye-appealing, and practical artwork for families. Here's a set of rockets for my little space boy.

NoseandToes offers this fun tee for three year olds. Trouble is, my three year old gets mistaken for a five year old all the time. He's a giant!

Sewing Day

Today I made this bag. I'm thrilled with the way a belt I found secondhand matches the fabric and makes a great strap, and I really like the interior pockets, the quirky boxiness of the bag's shape, and the cuffed lining around the top. I'm not so thrilled with the way it hangs. My poll question (to the right) is: Do you think I should offer this bag for sale?As I was ironing the final crease in the flap, this ginormous spider stepped up and frightened me so badly that I shrieked. My impulse was to stomp on it, but I didn't want to clean the carpet after such a violent murder. I dumped my stainless steel sewing foot bowl onto the ironing board, scooped up the spider and ran him outside. He sat, stunned, in the same spot long enough for me to run for my camera. I've never encountered a spider this large.