Simple Pleasures

I made it into another treasury!

I would showcase the shop owner here, but they have no shop. I think they may be an Etsy buyer, which is great because when customers like your stuff, it's attracting great attention.

Grey skies ahead. . . project underway

I love custom projects! I love being given the chance to bring a vision to life. On Monday, I received this lovely yarn form Knitpicks in the mail and was so excited because it meant I could finally start on a vision. It was yarn specially ordered for a project "commission" that started without intent or thought.

Last month we went to an Obama rally in New Hampshire and met a very nice couple with a son just a little younger than ours. Since they had forgotten their camera I was happy to take pictures of them and send them via email. The easiest way for me to get them my email address was to give them my card. As fate would have it, Martha, the mom, had been wanting to get a replacement "snood" for one she'd received from her mother but had lost along her travels.

Many emails later, we are now at the stage where the yarn is hitting the needles and the project is moving forward. I can't tell you who's more excited, me for doing the project or her for receiving it. All I know is that I'm convinced yarn can make anyone happy. . . stay tuned for photos of the finished project coming soon.

Treasury. . . showcase. . . enjoy

This beautiful treasury was curated by yours truly! I love the way the color works in this collection. Because I think treasuries tend to get buried, I want to list it here along with the wonderful shops you can visit. I've listed them in the way they appear from left to right on the treasury. Enjoy!!

http://lilypondsoaps.etsy.com
http://glamorosi.etsy.com
http://smilingsoul2.etsy.com
http://moonscreations.etsy.com
http://chickadeebeads.etsy.com
http://catnipstudiotoo.etsy.com
http://novelforms.etsy.com
http://mireasma.etsy.com
http://santiamdesigns.etsy.com
http://moonlitherbals.etsy.com
http://sisterssimplesoap.etsy.com
http://allysonhill.etsy.com
http://mymothersgarden.etsy.com
http://angeldncr82.etsy.com
http://thebeeknees.etsy.com
http://phydeaux.etsy.com

When life hands you lemons. . .

What's wrong with this picuture?

These are the wristwarmers I'm making for my niece. She spent the day with me when I was at "Start On the Street" in September, and really loved the wristwarmers I had for sale. As "payment" (bribe) I told her I'd make her some wristwarmers in any color she would like. She chose this color.

I've been working on them while I go back and forth on the train and last night I was closing them up, when I noticed a problem. Can you see it? Maybe this second photo will help. Why is one side at least an inch longer than the other? That was the question I asked myself then quickly realized, I went 5 extra rows on the glove I finished earlier and forgot to do the same on the second glove.

Sometimes, it's just trial and error. So, I thought maybe I can just take out the extra rows and it will all be fine. . . no, that is too much trouble, especially on the train when you're knitting. If it were crochet, it would be no problem at all. So then my next idea was, make two pairs. So I started a second for the shorter warmers that will go to my niece and I'll subsequently make a longer one for a pair to go into my shop.

It's all in line with the quote that says "when life hands you lemons. . . ". I now have two pair where I may have gotten lazy and only had one. I love it when I have a project for the train, and it has a definite purpose.

Doing it over or increasing productivity only gives me patience to do what needs to be done.

Raghouse International

I recently examined the motivation I have to keep doing profiles on other artists and the answer came back "because it is so inspiring". From the first time I saw what was available at Raghouse International I was hooked (no pun intended). Everything she makes is fashion forward and appealing to a wide range of tastes. It has been my pleasure to get to know such a vibrant artist who truly believes in what she's doing and enjoys every minute of her life.

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. Make sure to visit her at her places when you're done reading.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born Cornela Marie Austin and I am from Los Angeles. I’ve lived in Los Angeles all my life but I've had fun opportunities to travel to different places, giving me the desire to live in other places! Everything I do now, I’ve always done as a child. It seems with each passing year I discovered an artistic skill. I started out singing when I was four years old. Hand sewing was next. I used to pull curtains off the windows and make skirts. I started writing poetry and songs at the age of twelve, drawing in the 8th grade and so on… I now work professionally as a singer and photographer. I didn’t know what a fiber artist was until I joined esty! So I am mow a fiber artist!

What inspires you to do your craft/artistry?
I don’t know if I was ever inspired to do my craft. I realized, for me, it was something I was born to do then I found that I inspired others through what I did. I never really thought about it. I just know that when I was in the third grade and I sang in front of my class for show and tell I was asked to sing again and again! I didn’t even know I could sing until that moment. So many things have happened to me in that way. Not really knowing that I could do anything, but when I did, it happened to be good, it happened to be spectacular! I started to see that creativity was just a part of my DNA. I hardly know any designers in my field, I don't watch much TV, or listen to many music artists. A lot of my inspiration comes from within and the love and challenge of creating. Most of the designs in my shop I’ve stumbled upon…It’s pretty weird!

How do you promote your items?
Myspace is one of my favorite places to promote because everything is so visual and now they have tools where you can update your profile and your friends can see what’s new right away. Whenever you upload new photos, friends can see and know about it immediately. Myspace helps to keep friends in the know. I also love word of mouth and promo items. I have particular places that I go to promote like open mics, poetry lounges, festivals, marketplaces, California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles, where the center of fashion happens. And I am always a walking advertisement! I used to make everything and just sell it off, but then I started taking the time to make things for myself to wear. My promo items are simply my card with a finger ring, bracelet, or earrings inside. Everyone loves something for free and they are so happy to receive it!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
The most important thing is to first believe in yourself and in what you do. Have faith in what you do and then go after it passionately. The worst thing you can do is make something and feel that no one will like it. I know what that feels like, I’ve been there. What I’ve discovered is that people everywhere like the most unique things and they are bound to like what you make. It’s all a matter of finding the right market for your product, which leads me to my second point. If it is your goal to have a successful business, study all you can about branding and marketing. Psychology goes hand in hand with marketing, study that. Know how your target market lives, breathes, move, where they shop, how they shop, online or offline? Once you know these things, promote, promote, promote! It takes hard work and discipline.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I see myself evolving socially for one, because I am in my creative world so much that I don’t really go out much. I love being a home body, but now I feel more ready to socialize. My artistic and entertainment work is so fun that it's socializing for me while getting paid at the same time! I also see my fiber arts line growing more couture with an emphasis on unique menswear, eventually making its way to Paris and making a big splash in European Countries.

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite color is green and I love all things Japanese, the food, Juku. I love to read, sing, and dance. I love fitness, working out, cooking, taking photos, and being in front of the camera. I love making people beautiful, and life coaching! Love to listen to quality music and of all things, traveling. A trip across the US is the best thing ever! Just love smiling and having fun, living my best life no matter the economy or when things are up or down.

What is your favorite quote?
Wow, this is a great question! I drown myself in reading inspiring things and great books that help shape my life. There are a lot of great quotes out there, but there are specific ones that I live by and help to keep me grounded.

“If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won’t limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions, don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.” Solomon Proverbs 4:12

“Get noticed by being beautiful.” My Grandmother

I live by these because life is full of decisions. Wisdom is the best thing to have and know that if God blessed you with beauty work that beauty until the day you die!

Shop
Myspace

Yarn Obsession featured in Treasuries!

It's always nice when people love your stuff enough to feature it in a treasury they've put together on Etsy. It's happened a few times for me, but I'm taking someone's idea and featuring the treasuries here, so you can see them even after they've expired.

It's great to be seen and heard!

This treasury called "Love that Dirty Water" featured items inspired or created in and around Boston. It was curated by Designs By Helen.


This tresury called "Etsy Artists of Colour in October" featured items made by EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color) Team members. It was curated by Miss Ann.


Don't forget to check out the curator's sites!

Etsy Front Page!

Look who made it to the front page at Etsy, in a grouping curated by the Admin.. .

Finished Objects (or projects)

Look -----------> in the sidebar under the heading "what I'm working on" and see all the lovely colors where there was only grey! Yes, I've been a busy girl working on and finishing projects. . . Now, if I could only take photos so you can see them!?

As the days turn cooler and shorten, I find it more difficult to catch "daylight" for my photos. That means, all photography has to be done on the weekend, and weekends, especially this time of year, get REALLY busy! I will, however, get these photos done because they are imperative to my business growth.

But, until that happens, I'll keep a colorful bar section, add more projects and stay busy in the background.

Don't forget to also take a look at the shop, there are some great gifts available, and on sale!

Shawl!

Here is my lovely shawl! I am so excited about it, because I think it came out fantastic! What do you think?

We went to a friend's wedding this past Saturday and as you can see, I wore a plain (for lack of a better word) black dress. I love the dress, but I thought it needed some color since my honey was wearing a reddish tie, and I bought my baby a red sweater to wear with black cords. So, I purchased jewelry with touches of red, but that didn't seem sufficient. Then I thought, knit something!!

You'd think that would be the first thought, but I'll be the first to tell you that my lack of time often precludes my thinking of "making" something before buying it. . . that is slowly changing. Anyway, I bought this ribbon novelty yarn at a DEEP discount, then I purchased some crochet thread in red for the added color and knit all week to get to this point. The finished product is here and I love it!

I'd love to offer it (meaning the type of shawl, not mine cause I love it!) in my Etsy shop, but I'm not sure if that is the right "venue" for it. . . one day soon, my website will be up-and-running.

So there it is! My latest work of art. . . I may not have it in my shop, but if you love it send me a message. . . I do "commissioned" work! ;)

Holiday Sale!

Holiday shopping time is here!!! I don't know about you, but now is when I start to think about what I need to get for the holidays in order not to miss anyone or any sales. . . speaking of sales, I'm having one!!!

From now until November 15, 2008 I'm offering the following discounts in my shop:

Get 15% off any item prices up to $39 - use code hs101515*
Get 20% off any item priced $40 or more - use code hs101520*
Get 25% off any custom items priced $55 or more - use code hs101525*

Simply process your order as usual, put the appropriate code in the message section, process your payment and I'll refund you the difference after payment (or you can request a revised invoice prior to payment)

This is your chance to get a beautiful unique item for a discount. Custom orders will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. There is a limited capacity, so if you have a project you'd like to have prices, please contact me ASAP!

Yarn Obsession is where the sale is! Come by and order for that long list of giftees you have!
*These offers cannot be combined with any other offers or coupons

I've been tagged. . . Your chance to know some random facts about me

I'm excited to have been tagged by The Funky Felter. As long as I've been doing this blog, this is my first tag so it's exciting to be included and to include others!

In this game of tag you get to hear 7 random facts about me. I hope you still find me an interesting person after reading them. . . or at least still likeable. :)

Fact #1: I am 5'0 tall. Many times people don't realize how "short" I am because they've either met me while I've been sitting (and I sit very tall) or I've always worn heels around them and they've never noticed. Whatever the case, I'm 5'0 and it's always been my biggest asset!

Fact #2: I'm the eldest of three siblings, but people who have just met us all, usually think I'm the youngest. . . can't complain about that, but my sister can!

Fact #3: I am a first generation Haitian-American who has grown up with duel cultures. It is a wonderful thing to be able to understand someone in their own culture because it is a lot like the one you've grown up with.

Fact #4: My dream is to be my own boss so that I can be the master of my destiny.

Fact #5: Besides fiber I love to work with paper and pictures. I don't get much of a chance to do scrapbooking, but I absolutely would love to get lost in it if I had time. One day, I'll have my own "craft room" where I can house all the paper, yarn and supplies I hoard.

Fact #6: I used to dream about owning a BMW, but now I dream about owning a Prius! Don't get me wrong, I still want the BMW, but for all the driving I anticipate doing with my craft shows and children's activities (coming soon), a Prius fits into the dream more readily.

Fact #7: I could watch HGTV all day and all night if my husband would let me. I absolutely love to see the creative ways people decorate, build or alter their homes on budgets that fit into my reality!

Whew, I seemed to get through that one. I hope you had as much fun as I did! Below are the rules of the tag as well as the people I've chosen to tag with this game.

The Rules:
::Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

::Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random and some weird.

::Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

::Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Tag you're it!

Amy Olson Jewelry
Kreated by Karina
Pearl by the Sea
Life in the Zu
Always Amy
Vickie Howell
The Crochet Dude

A Little Luster

In my ongoing effort to promote other artisans on Etsy, I thought I'd share with you A Little Luster. The name says it all. If you're looking for lovely jewelry that's uniquely understated, but will still make a splash, look no further. Mimi has created lovely items that are perfect for the gift giving season!

Read her interview here then take a trip to her shop. I'm sure she'd be happy to welcome you there.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Mimi and I currently live, in what I think is one of the world’s most exotic cities, Istanbul, in a cozy apartment, blessed with a view overlooking the gorgeous sea where the sun sets and another towards quaint cottages on a small sloping hill amidst pine and maple trees. I started making beaded jewelry about six years ago then slowly found my way into metalsmithing last year and am loving it!

What inspires you to do your craft/artistry?
So many things inspire me it’s hard to know where to begin! Everything ultimately stems from this need to create something, anything, with my hands. I get a lot of inspiration from architecture, photography, memories of my grandmother’s jewelry box, past travels and I also love ethnic and traditional arts and crafts from different cultures. There are so many talented artists out there whose work are just awe inspiring and that makes me want to strive harder and learn more to be better at what I do. Then there is of course nature all around that never ceases to inspire anytime you stop a minute to look and see.

How do you promote your items?
I don’t have much time to promote but I try to relist and participate in Etsy forums as much as I can. I really need to do more though!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Have faith in yourself and your work and don’t give up!

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I hope by then that I would have had the good chance to progress further into metalsmithing, learned more techniques and developed better skills to be able to create finer and more sophisticated pieces. Working out of my own studio with a small terrace or patio would be lovely too!

What are some of your favorite things?
I cannot live without spicy food and definitely not without my espresso maker! I love blues, greens, black and grey although lately I find myself being more drawn to yellows and oranges. I love spring, it’s my favorite time of year. I tried growing lavender this year on my balcony and loved it! I love a wide range of music, from Cyndi Lauper to the Cure to Andre Bocelli. Some of my current faves are Jason Mraz, Paolo Nuttini, KT Tunstall and Joshua Radin. Oh! I love photography and spending the day out with my camera although i's been a while since I've done that, but I must ~soon!

What is your favorite quote?
“Let what you love be what you do.” by Rumi and “Nothing is worth more than this day.” by Goethe. That’s two, I couldn’t narrow it down to just one!

You can find Mimi online:
Jewelry Shop
Supplies Shop

Boston Handmade at the Sowa Open Market! Sunday, October 12th

This is where I'll be on Sunday, come join in the fun!

More than 26 members of Boston Handmade will be exhibiting their work at the Sowa Open Market on Sunday, October 12th.

Showing and selling handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, house wares, art, photography, toys, and sculpture. Boston Handmade promotes local independent businesses and individuals creating one-of-a-kind and limited edition handmade works in small studio environments, not factories. For more info about Boston Handmade visit:
http://www.bostonhandmade.org/

Eileen Fisher

Everyday I walk through a mall to get to work. Everyday I pass the Eileen Fisher store across from the Coach store and next to the Luis Vuitton. . . Yes, it's a pretty "high end" mall and that does nothing to curb my love of the trends! What I've noticed in my walking past Eileen Fisher, is how many of her designs are knit this Fall.

In the Summer there were lots of linen dresses, tops and pants, but as the Fall set in, I noticed whispy knit scarves, lovely "cuddle up" sweaters and cardigans. When I pass by I can't help but feel "comfortable" in her designs and colors. I can't say that I've ever purchased anything from her, but I do love some of her pieces. . . like this sweater . . . love it!

Seedy arm warmers

These armwarmers were an experiment. I wanted to see what would happen if I did these in seed stitch instead of any other stitch. I love the seed stitch and I think these came out pretty well. There are a few adjustments that I would make, but overall, I'm pretty happy with the results.

This winter my writsts and my neck are going to be wonderfully warm because I'm making myself a pair of these wristwarmers, a neckwarmer, a scarf and anything else I'm making for sale, cause I think I deserve it!

We interrupt. . .

Our regularly scheduled blog posts to bring you this public service announcement!

Don't Vote!



It's been a crazy week, but I'll be back next week with our regular schedule.

Thanks for your patience.