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?

[Former_Member]

Jody, that's so interesting! I don't see a link- could you try to post it again? I'd love to look at your photos. At least if you ever visit Europe, you could write off a bit of your stay in the UK by taking some classes! I'd love to learn how to do it, but I already feel like I don't have enough hours in the day.

I'm excited to get going, my husband is traveling back from visiting with people there, trying to lay down the groundwork for employment. Apparently he has a few leads so that's good!

It sounds like you've got a great deal to do, Jennifer! Will you post the photos of the project once you're finished?

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

Emily - Having some good leads is awesome! Sometimes, when I get the bug and start thinking about moving, I just open some closets and stand in my laundry/storage room for a few minutes, and realize...nope. Gonna live here forever LOL. I will definitely post some pics. I am just waiting on some latches to get everything finished.....

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

Here are some pics from my wedding box commission https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.396097990520497.1073741826.183977271732571&type=3 . Was a ton of work but very worth it. Just got over my first show this past weekend as well, which went much better than I was expecting. Thank you to everyone on this list for words of encouragement and advice. I think sometimes I would be lost without these groups! :)

[Former_Member]

Jennifer, the boxes are beautiful! I bet the wedding party was beside themselves. They look very elegant and I'm sure they'll treasure them for years.

Congratulations on your first show. I still haven't been able to do one yet and I love hearing about other peoples' experiences with shows. Did anything in particular stand out to you?

[Former_Member]

It has been a while since anyone's written in here! What's been going on with everyone? Surviving the winter? It certainly doesn't feel like winter in Los Angeles, I have a hard time believing it is February (although it is an easy adjustment physically- tank tops and light jackets all the time!).

I've been doing a draw 365 with a few friends, including Georgina of Nevermore Art Dolls, Atomic Dolls, and Curious Doors. It has kept me busy- in fact, it has kept me away from my pyrography a bit. It worries me, but I think it is a matter of appropriately scheduling myself and eliminating distractions like Facebook and Tumblr. Then I'll have time for both the drawing and the pyrography- and hopefully you'll see a great improvement in the quality of the drawings on the wood.

If you're interested in following, feel free to either follow me on Instagram (@eminationart) or Tumblr (www.eminationart.tumblr.com).

I've also been reading Carl Sagan's the Cosmos and How to Draw with the Right Side of the Brain. Between all of these mini projects and work, I keep forgetting to actually go out or hang out with people!

How is everyone else?

[Former_Member]

I've been taking part in a global celebration of the Steampunk community called Steampunk Hands across the World (use the hashtag #SteampunkHands to search on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr) and have so far had articles about my shop published in the US blog Beyond Victoriana, the Spanish (really beautifully designed) web magazine El Investigador and another blog interview due tomorrow.
I'm so excited to be developing my Aether Nomad concept with other creative types and intend that they can bring out their own AN inspired products *nudges the Captain* :)
I've co-written the beginning of a Navigatrix and Aether Nomad story with a charming French-Egyptian chap,which you can read at www.thenavigatrixatetsy.blogspot.co.uk

That was the fun stuff. The not so fun stuff is that I have finally, after about a year and a half, been diagnosed with FND - functional neurological disorder. The problems are mostly chronic fatigue, dizziness, trouble with memory and getting words mixed up. There are others with this chronic yet often invisible illness (and dare I say, disability) that are much worse off than me. I'm waiting for treatment but in the meantime being proactive, looking after myself as best I can and making the most of my good days.

I love my shop, it is giving me so much and I'm determined to make it as financially successful as it is emotionally fulfilling!

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry to see Emily Joy resign as Captain and leave the group, but wish her all success with Emi.nation Artistry!

[Former_Member]

I'm giving it a go! Kelebek and I will need all the help we can get, though and so I will be looking for some new leaders.

Expect some changes!

[Former_Member]

I'm excited for the Steampunk World's Fair coming up in New Jersey. I always have a blast. Working on a killer outfit :)

[Former_Member]

Ooh...pictures please, Kelebek!
Does anyone else go to conventions of any kind?

[TheAlteredDiaries]

Anyone else locked out of their hotmail account? They keep asking for a 25 digit verification code that is supposedly sent to my other email. My other email account has never recieved a verification code.

[Former_Member]

Sorry Jody, I steer clear of hotmail. I use Yahoo.

[TheAlteredDiaries]

Thanks Sally-Ann. Maybe I should think about moving everything over to my Yahoo account.

[Former_Member]

Always wanted to buy something from my Etsy shop, but money has been a little short? I have created a coupon code for just that reason. I want to show love to my supporters.

Use the coupon code SHOWTHELOVE and receive 25% off your purchase. This coupon code is only good through 7/31/14, so act fast!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TaintedMarks

[LeatherheadOriginals]

Jody, I feel your pain! I got locked out of my Hotmail Acct. in June, so I abandoned it, and use only my Gmail! I had to redo my Craigslist acct. that was linked to the Hotmail.

[Former_Member]

So, what's everyone up to at the moment?

My 'cogling' has just turned 6 and she had a Monster High themed party, which was a lot of fun. Hubby got dressed up in LRP costume as a monster hoarding precious eggs that the kids had to sneak up and win. We used up tons of loo roll with the Mummy game and musical bumps was done to Pendulum....

Now I'm reeling a bit (and fatigue is grumbling at me) but looking forward to Yule/Christmas. I've lots of ideas of things to make, far too many to do in two weeks but I'll not get bored. There's also an exciting interview lined up with a magazine.

Do check out the #ANProject here and on Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr. I'll be creating a little team just for that, so I'm even more keen to find someone to fill the Captain's role here at IHLIB so that I can go back to being a Leader.

Oh...and my brother Matt of ArcaneArmoury got featured in Ladies of Steampunk magazine, alongside Thomas Willeford!

Have you got anything fun or exciting to share, shop-related or not?