Everything Else Chat - for when you can't find an existing thread

[#1]

I thought this might be useful.

I had an early birthday gift today - a trip to Market Deeping's Antique and Craft centre with 'DIY birthday present' rectangular paper with numbers on :)

It was like a Treasure-Maze! I found a good few things there that I'm often in need of. As much as I aim to make my items mainly from used and unwanted jewellery and remnants, there are times when a new finding or a few beads come in handy. This place http://www.riversidebeads.co.uk/ has a huge range of goodies. I was like a kid in a sweet shop!

Sometimes I'm in awe of the opportunities at my doorstep (or, well, just a few miles down the road). I'm close to Lincoln, venue for a huge Steampunk festival, The Asylum. I hope to share a stall with Arcane Armoury there in September. Also, the plethora of charity shops that provide many of my prize finds. Now I discover this great craft shop! I'm just feeling so grateful about the opportunities.

The other thing is that a local shop has agreed to stock some phone socks that I plan to make. I've got my work cut out for me now!

So what's happening for you right now that feels GOOD? Any other positve stuff to share?

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

Huzzah! Sorry I missed it, but congratulations! That is wonderful Emily!

[NomadicKnits]

Oh wowee! That's so great, Emily, congrats! That must have been terribly exciting! Which item was it? Maybe you could post a link to the treasury so we could see!

[Former_Member]

Here's the treasury, I think it is very lovely:
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ4ODQ5NDF8MjcyNDg4MjUwMg/251?index=0&ref=l2&atr_uid=

[Former_Member]

I am slow to catch up.... congratulations Emily Joy!

Looks like there's been a lot going on here. I've had a pretty busy summer myself; my daughter is now in the process of settling into her new Primary school and Matt and I are preparing for the big UK Steampunk event, 'Asylum', this coming Saturday!

So, later this month I shall have a full day (well,between school runs, 9.15am - 2.45pm) to concentrate on work! Huzzah! I promise I shall be around a bit more often again.

How is everybody, anyway, members and leaders alike?

[Former_Member]

I've been trying to redo my etsy and tumblr sites so they both are up to their full potential. Also finishing some older projects to clear the table for new projects. I feel like I've been held back by myself so I'm working to move forward now.

I started documenting my process on making a lawn mower blade knife here: http://explosiventuretradingco.tumblr.com/ which has picked up some 40 followers for me in the past two weeks. That's been exciting.

[NomadicKnits]

My, your tumblr blog has gotten quite good! Nice work! I've taken a bit of break from tumblr myself... I want to open more of a dialogue like you've done and do less reblogging but I have a really hard time figuring out what I want to say.

I too was moved by that man's speech at the town hall meeting that you posted. I heard it on a radio program and was nearly moved to tears. What courage it took to speak. But that is what we need to do most of all right now... call them out on their lies... did they really think we would fall for it again? I have been feeling such dread about this whole situation. It was getting so tense... I was almost feeling like it was time to start packing up my knitting needles and spend my time working on my survival skills!

But on a lighter note... I just indulged myself to my favorite fall time treat... a carmel apple! AH so tasty! But now I've gotten my keyboard all sticky....boo.

[Former_Member]

Carmel apples are all Fall :) that's great.

Thank you for checking out my blog. I'm glad you enjoyed the work I've done. I like seeing the blogs on tumblr where people post about what they are really doing. Reblogging has its place but I see it shouldn't fill a blog.

I know what you mean, not knowing what to write. It takes me an hour to write some posts. I'll write it, leave, then come back to change half of it and proof read it three times.

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

Congrats Emily! Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I'm working my tail off for the Christmas show I'm doing, and trying to just stay on top of all the normal everyday kinda stuff. I think I bit off a huge ol' chunk of "boy, I wish I knew what I was doing, hope this turns out well." LOL

[Former_Member]

Hey everyone! I've been gone this week- I took a trip with my husband to Oregon to visit family and attend his grandmother's memorial. It was fantastic, I got to meet more of my family & I love them. Oregon is gorgeous, I fell in love and I wish we could move there. I took a few photos, feel free to see them here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10103879562447574.1073741833.2346525&type=1&l=cef4fb8c2f

We also made the big decision to move to LA next month (!!!), which means I'll be rather sporadic on my updates here. I hope you all understand, we just decided this yesterday, so we have a great deal to do in a month. I'm confident we can do it, but I do need to focus on packing up, giving away, and selling many things. This is going to be a crazy end of the year.

Sally-Ann, I'm so looking forward to hearing about Asylum. I'm sure you and Matt will have many sales. Please take a lot of photos for us to enjoy! :-)

Kristina, perhaps blog about inspirations? Color pallet ideas, or how you tackled difficult patterns? I could see many people following if you help out with little tutorials or discussions about difficult projects.

SGT, I'm a big fan of your Tumblr. I think you definitely do a great job of blending personal life with writing and promotion of your items. My www.eminationart.tumblr.com is mainly advertising for myself and the items around Etsy that I like, but I need to work on actually writing. I am looking forward to writing about that big box commission I finished, but I have to wait until October 6th, when the bride actually receives her gift.

[Former_Member]

Hey everyone, just another update on my life- someone rear-ended me two days ago and now I have to be in PT five times a week until we move. With that, and some of the art I have to do, I will try to check in once a day but I can't promise it. I hope you all are well!

[Former_Member]

That's terrible Emily :( I know moving is busy enough without the hardship of a car accident and PT. Seems like it all piles up at once. Thank you for your compliments by the way. It really means a lot to me to hear positive feedback on the blog.

[Former_Member]

The renaissance fair in my town is this weekend. In the past I've always found out about it too late, or couldn't get out of work and missed it. So I've never had a chance to go. This year I'm taking a day off work to go with my family. I'm excited to finally be able to go.

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

Emily, I hope you are improving. PT is no fun, but well worth the effort to return to pain free health.

Well, I am starting this week on a 12 week business course, geared specifically to women artists. It is being offered by a local women's college, and they are taking just 12 artists. I had to apply by attending an info session, then filling out the app, phone interview, etc. They normally teach this class just for women wanting to start their own businesses, but this time they decided to try just focusing on the arts. It will be everything to do with finance, marketing, brand building, etc. Even though I have been very good with keeping track of finances, and paperwork, I am terrible at marketing! When the instructor asked what my goal for my business was, I said " to be able to live comfortably off selling my work". She said my vision was too small...! Yikes, it is intimidating, but I am looking forward to seeing how my art looks from the other side of the table. If anyone is interested, I can try to start a separate thread to talk about what I am learning every week.

[Former_Member]

How was the Renn faire? I love going!

Thanks Kim, I do think it is worth it, just a big ol' pain in the butt.

Please start that thread about your courses! I'm so interested! I think it sounds fascinating and I hope you really enjoy it. Of course, I understand if you're so busy that you don't always keep us updated. Still, I think that if you do have the time, it could be beneficial to many of us!

[Former_Member]

I would love to hear some of what you learn Kim. That's a great class to get into.

The renn. faire was great Emily. I haven't been I one in a decade so I was really happy to make it. My little girl and I had fun watching men in armor beat each other up with swords. It was a group that raised money for charity by fighting eachother for donations. Seemed like a fun idea to me.

[NomadicKnits]

WAA car accidents are the worst! That's why I stopped driving entirely when I lived in the city and just rode a bike or took the bus... hope you recover quickly Emily...

I love the Renn faire!! I haven't been to MN's in a few years, but I loved going... I was asked to be a vendor this year and I was astounded... but then heart broken because I realized there was no way I could afford it. Sounds like you had a great time... did you eat a turkey leg? I did one year and got kind of creeped out by it, haha! It was a leg once... on a turkey... anyway...

It would be great if you could share what you're learning in your business class, Kim! I for one could definitely benefit from some business like tips, and I'm sure that goes for all of us. Hope it goes well!

I've been enjoying some glorious fall weather lately.... it's been making for some pretty grand forest knitting. Hope you all are enjoying the season too!

[TheAlteredDiaries]

The Renn faire sounds really cool. I wish they had them in Canada.
Love to hear about your class Kim.
I was pleased to find out there was a bookbinding demo happening today in my neighborhood They had a very knowledgeable and helpful bookbinder there who answered a lot of my questions about bookbinding. I rarely get an opportunity like that. It was in a restored, Turn of the Century house. It's now a museum. It's original owner was a bookbinder. I'm stoked to go up tomorrow and learn about paper marbling.

It's a great weekend for book lovers in general. There's an antique book faire happening. Lots of old books and Vintage ephemera for sale.

[Former_Member]

Kristina, I thought about that! I've been somewhat enjoying using our light rail system, since I get outside more and experience my city more intimately. But I will enjoy having my car back, since the light rail only takes me to certain areas & I need to be mobile to get to the thrift store and whatnot! It sounds like your woods are beautiful- perhaps you should take some photos and capture the gorgeous autumn. It'd be a great original post for your tumblr!

Jody, that sounds so interesting- I've always admired people who do book binding. It can be such a beautiful craft that then allows other people to bring their thoughts and art to life. How did you get into it? And did you get any books at the antique book faire?

[Former_Member]

Emily Joy - I hope you're making a quick recovery! I wish you a smooth move :)

Kim, that sounds wonderful! I look forward to learning a few things from you. I also need to widen my vision as I pretty much have the same goal that you mentioned!

SGT - I appreciate your support! It gets a bit addictive, looking for new likes on Tumblr, Instagram etc. I look forward to seeing more of your work! Do you have any problems shipping? My brother Matt of Arcane Armoury occassionally has a hard time shipping his non-working theatrical prop guns. Though we have been amused and a bit shocked at how you can buy sharp bladed items with no problems! Talk to Matt for details.

Kristina, I look forward to seeing more of your blog! I'm still hoping to be able to commission that wrap-around skirt to keep my thighs warm this coming winter! Wish me many sales ;)

Jody, that sounds wonderful! Do you have large Live Roleplay events there? Not exactly Ren Faires but the ones I've been to have many stalls, some run by reenactors knowledgeable in old craft techniques.

Well, I've been reeling after Asylum and the start of Primary school for my daughter. Our computer has decided to pop a capacitor (which Matt can possibly fix) but for now I'm limited to my smartphone. I've a lot of new items that need photographing and listing, plenty of ideas waiting for manifestation and the beginnings of a mailing list. My trouble is, what do I tackle first?!

[NomadicKnits]

Emily... some of my fondest memories of living in the city are of my travels to and fro by bike. Like you said, it gets you outside more, breathing in the fresh.... well, er, car fumes... Ha! Well still, I was in some serious SHAPE then, and had so much energy... but it is real tricky thrift store shopping by bike. If you find a neat dresser it's not like you can be like ok, well I'll just strap this onto my bike! Grocery shopping is pretty tricky too. And the bus? Forget it... I have no fond memories of riding the bus! Minneapolis has a terrible public transit system. We have one light rail that goes in a strait line from downtown to the Mall of America to the airport. lame!

Jody... how cool! I love antique books! And it must have been real neat to see the book binding demo. Let us know how the paper marbling demo went too!

Hope you can get your computer fixed Sally-Ann! Lucky you have a smart phone that you can still work from. I'd love to work on that wrap skirt for you. I wish you many sales!

Fall just keeps getting better and better here. It's putting me in a such swell mood! Cheers!

[Former_Member]

Sally-Ann, thank you for the encouraging words :) I haven't had any problems with shipping yet. Hoping that trend keeps up since I have two items in route right now. I can see how problems would arise with shipping even non working guns. I imagine seeing sirens and alarms going off when those boxes hit an x-ray machine!

Kristina, fall was moving in here in western North Carolina. We seemed to have stepped back into summer today with a high of 90 degrees.

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

Just thought it was time to take a break and get on here and check up on things since these days I am feeling a bit disconnected and neglectful of my shop and everything Etsy.

I've been working on getting things ready for the show that I signed up for. WOW! Did I bite off alot with this one. I am sure it's going to all come together, but it's getting stressful. On top of filling the HUGE custom order that came in which even made doing a big show possible. LOL...Crazy. I'm just hoping that my fingers don't fall off before then. My son is already teasing me about my "Popeye" arm since I burn in a way that really works my forearm...who knew?

It's good to take a break and just get on here and touch base a bit....

[Former_Member]

Jennifer, care to share your big commission? I'm so intrigued! It sounds like everyone is having a productive period. I've got several projects on my table and I'm scratching my head as to how I'm finishing this before the move. We'll see! I am enjoying this weather immensely, slightly cooler but not yet cold.

SGT- thanks for the knife, I'll leave a review today. Speaking of shipping, it may be better to find a bulk box supplier and purchase slim boxes for your knives. I had a bit of trouble opening it, but I was very happy once I saw it. I'm going to do a Viking dragon design for my husband's birthday on Friday. How I'm going to finish it is a huge question, but it'll happen... I think... hmm...

[TheAlteredDiaries]

Not trying to flog my blog article but here's a link. I especially like the top photo that I had gotten permission to use. I was so happy to meet another bookbinder I could talk to and ask questions. It's a rare thing here in Van.
The paper marbling was terrific and I gave my name and number to take a workshop in marbling this summer. The marbler actually does restorations and started marbling in an attempt to reproduce worn out endpapers. These are the marbled papers at the front and back of a book.

I ended up missing the antique book fair as I was a bit burned out from the previous 2 days. I'll have to catch it next year.

I first learned binding in London, UK a couple of years ago and have taken the few classes offered here. For now it's just YouTube videos and instructions on bookbinding blogs until I can afford to go back to the UK. The UK is more in depth and traditional. Here you can learn to make a book in a day and then it's on to gimicky books. Where as I just saw a workshop in London that was teaching 8 different kinds of corners to use on books.

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

Books are a bit more than a slight obsession with me and I have always, always wanted to learn how to bind books. A friend of mine is brilliant at it and has studied and been learning for years. It's an amazing art Jody!

I know what you mean Emily...this weather here is the best! I love the fall here. Moving is definitely a job in itself. Especially when it's an out of state move. Are you getting excited? And, sure I will share :) I got a commission to do a set of boxes for a wedding, to be given as gifts for the groomsmen and bridesmaids and parents and little ones like the flower girl and usher and such...so 12 total. It has been absolutely crazy, on top of trying to build up a ton of inventory in a short amount of time. Think I am still going to be really short on stuff to fill my spot with, but we shall see. Have some new ideas I am going to be testing out, so here's to faith LOL....