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]

Excited to see the new shop. I love your dolls so I am excited to see how improved on something that I already think is awesome.

I am going to buy a tripod this week to help me take some pictures for my shop. I have a terrible shaking problem with my injured right hand so hopefully the tripod will help.

[Former_Member]

I'm getting excited, now. The fair is only two weeks away now. I've got my pop-up gazebo (it'll be held in a field!), my banner, little matt black gift bags, jewellery boxes, a reconditioned mirror (Arcane Armoury, of course), more business cards on the way... Still lots to do but I have managed to create 15 more items with more in production. And of course, I need to think of something for the 100 members celebration. Hmm, I might have just the thing ;)

I've made a new mini top hat fascinator. I'm not sure I really want to sell it..it goes so well with my outfit, you see. Still need to get my skirt lining sewn and iron things. I don't do ironing, if I can help it. My granny used to iron tea towels...one extreme to the other.

Right, it's late. I think the creative adrenaline boost has finally waned. Night all x

[Former_Member]

Good luck with your getting together all for the big fair, I was going to have a spot at a convention where I live, but the price is crazy high....like 400.00 per spot, that's too much, must sell boat loads to break even and then make money...getting inda discouraged anyway....How long did it take for anyone to start making sales and feel like it's all worth it?
I love creating and I will never stop, but thinking about expanding to other venues...
I am a head strong woman, and do not give up easily, some suggestions, ideas, or insight would be cool....Thanx

[Former_Member]

Sally-Ann - it sounds like you really know what you're doing and I'm SO excited for you! I hope you really enjoy the day and find a lot of confidence from it. I'd invest also in some large plastic boxes with clip lids, you can get them from any cheap homeware shop. Using those stuffed with bubble wrap will mean you can pack away so easily at the end of the day and know your items are safe and dry. Please post loads of pictures on your blog and I'll save them and upload them to our group with an Album dedicated to you.

JB - I know exactly how you feel, I've been working on Unusual Fascinators for 2 years and only ever had ten sales over etsy. Etsy is a delicate balance of a few things, quality of photography, relevance of key words, style of banner, activity on social networks (eg. facebook and twitter) and desireability and amount of items.

I'd suggest searching for other shops which sell similar items for you, find the most successful ones and take tips from their page. Make sure your photos are crisp and eye catching, white backgrounds may be a little uninspired but they POP in the search engine. Have you got photoshop to touch up and edit your photos? If you'd like my help further I could give you a full shop feedback in our feedback thread.

I personally am just woken up on my first day of a full week of doll making, I'm quite sure that my dolls will be more successful than my fascinators for a number of market reasons. I know exactly how you feel and it can be quite crushing to constantly work on your shop but get no sales. I've come to realise the AMOUNT of items makes a HUGE difference, I saw Lotus Asylum pick uo dramatically once she had multiple pages in her shop.

Try following Sally-Ann and I and setting up a stall, I searched vintage pop up stalls in London, they average at £10 to £25 for a stall. I did a more expensive one for £108 (that was even reduced for me from £126) and it was just not the right crowd. I suggest looking for pop up stalls and craft fairs in your town, it should be pretty cheap. They're usually held in pubs, the actual market stalls will be a lot more expensive.

Don't give up! xx

[Former_Member]

The Navigatrix is now officially on Holiday (not 'Vacation', come on Etsy, catch up!)

I'll return on Monday but anticipate needing a week to re-stock, put new items up, tweak my tags. Plenty of work to look forward to! (I do love it).

Wish me blue skies and many happy customers :) Thankyou ♡

Sally-Ann

[Former_Member]

Two more days of school then my little one is on her summer holiday! It seems to have crept up on us really fast. I'm quite aware of time at the moment as I now have about seven weeks to prepare for the biggie, 'Weekend at the Asylum' Steampunk Event, happening all around the old part of Lincoln (UK).

My aim is to make as much stock as I can, so I may not get much up online over the next few weeks. I'd rather have plenty to take with me. Whatever does not sell can then go online. But I have a good image in my mind of taking over 100 items and opening my shop with 20 or so, having sold loads!

I've made some Inspirational Quotes necklaces, a lovely sculptural brass flower brooch, a set of earrings with matching amber coloured bead necklace and a modern looking necklace. Lined up to do, I have fingerless gloves (leather and lace), an old jewellery box to upcycle and some ideas for cuffs.

But not tomorrow. Some of my family members will be performing in a street fair, then I have a school party to go to, a Mum's night out at the Chinese (which, to be fair, me and a friend are organising), a special Tai Chi one-off lesson for my 3 1/2 year old, then a visit to the in-laws where we are meeting the two new babies of the family!)

So, at some point then, I'll squeeze some work in. Work and play, good balance. Speaking of play, we just watched the new Muppets movie today. I loved it! It had the spirit of the original and was just so funny. Loads of great cameo roles, too.

Anyone else like to add their random chat?
(P.S. Georgina, you've been quiet. Bet you're counting the days until the end of term, too! x)

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

I'll chime in! Just back from the thrift shop, where I picked up a lovely leather purse with outside flap pockets, and a leather bomber jacket. The purse pockets are going to become part of a steampunk ammo belt for my hubby(which is totally going to be his project to do!). The leather jacket I am going to start cutting apart right after I sign off here! I am using it to make said very lovely hubby a messenger bag for his birthday coming up this week. Gotta get some work done on it before he gets home from the office, and I have to hide everything! Beautiful weekend to all.........

[Former_Member]

Hi Kim, I'd love to see a photo of your steampunk outfit! I'll upload something about mine soon on the group. Can't promise a pic of me in it though, I hate having my photo taken. I know I've got self modelling shots in UF but let me tell you, the swearing that came out of my mouth while we did those shots would turn your hair white ;)

Sally-Ann - yes I have! I have been so tired that ALL I've managed to do for weeks is build a Victorian neighbourhood on the Sims 2 (my guiltiest pleasure). Every evening I've come in, moaned about how tired I am, checked if I've sold anything and booted up the sims. Counting down the days until now. Because let me tell you this, there's about to be an explosion. The scale of the ideas I have in mind are rediculous. So I've been biding my time until the summer holidays when I'll have the time and energy.

First stop I want to buy a nice chair for my creative room. There's two things that really annoy me about my little room:

1. Terrible chair. It started as a large office chair from my boyfriend which I told him had to go in the attic as it made me not even want to be in the same room as. It completely zapped all the character from the room. Now I'm sitting on a friggin fold out garden chair. So yes, 60s style wicker egg chair would be best. So once the boyfriend is awake we'll hit the shops.

2. A wardrobe. Ugh. The absolute worst form of storage unless you're actually using it for clothes. It makes the room feel like a junk room and annoys me greatly. I wanted to turn it into a TARDIS but it's not even mine, it's my boyfriend's mum's so... yeah can't exactly paint it blue and stick a siren on top. So a stand alone shelf unit would be best.

I'm very very impatient, I like things to happen NOW. And I'm not sure when we're going to be able to haul the wardrobe out. I'll have to make do with the chair for now.

And I'll do some painting on the walls. And re-sort everything out which tends to make me feel like I'm doing something productive.

And theeeeeen...... start. I've got just.... the biggest projects in mind to fully launch both Unusual Fascinators and Nevermore Dolls. All very big, very grand ideas.

What I've got to try and avoid is unproductivity due to perfectionism. I sometimes just sit there staring at my work highly annoyed it's not turned out how I saw it in my mind.

Right, need to clean the house first before I do any of this!

[Former_Member]

*Giggle*. Yes, our office space is still pained dark blue with little helicopters and cars from the previous small inhabitant. I bought a beautiful blind from John Lewis that I picked out before we moved (two years ago), still in its packaging. My Japanese garden fence is a collection of timber in the garage (and that was last year's birthday present).... I'd like to get it all done now, too.

I'm very aware that time is ticking away until the Lincoln 'Weekend at the Asylum' event and I *need to make more stock*. However, with the end of term, littl'un now at home, various social get togethers and finally good weather to tackle Laundry Mountain, I confess I've got very little done.

Motivate me, please!!! I'm knackered. I like sunshine but this hot weather does me in....just need to get into a new rhythm.

Good to hear from you, Captain :)

[NomadicKnits]

Hello all, just wanted to pipe in here and say how glad I am that I found this team! You all are so supportive of each other - love this thread!!

Georgina - I can definitely relate to your annoyance of your surroundings in your "creative room." It drives me CRAZY to have an uninspired space when I am trying to let my creative juices flow! I have recently just gotten my space how I want it - but really that's all that going for me right now.... but that's another story.... My boyfriend, however, he can just put anything anywhere without any sense of rhyme or symmetry. Ugh... we have separate creative spaces!!

Sally-Ann - I am trying my hardest to live through this friggin heat wave that we're going through in Minnesota so I can definitely relate there. Who wants to sit down and put a ball of heavy wool on their lap when its ninety degrees out? Not me that's for sure! Also, I've been super impatient to get more pictures of my knitwear and I want to do them outside but who wants to put on fingerless gloves in this heat? Not me! Ahh, and then there's all the bugs - I live in a forrest - literally - so there's all kinds of biting flies and mosquitoes. Just came in from watering the garden and a fly bit the back of my ear and now my whole ear is huge and swollen! Arg I tell you. I try to stay patient especially when I think that it's kind of silly to try and sell knitwear in the summer and I should wait until fall anyway....

So anyway, just wanted to say hello and send wishes of high productivity and motivation to you all. Cheers.

P.S. Sally-Ann I saw that you are a Reiki Practicioner - very cool. I have a level two certification but I just practice on myself and my boyfriend. Hmm... maybe that's what I need right now - a little self healing....

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

I have to chime in here! I have been suffering with the heat as well; been getting no work done. I had 4 photoshoots lined up for this summer, and all have been postponed due to the heat. Neither the photographer or I tolerate it, and the thought of having models sweating in my lovely gowns was quite offputting!

Georgina, can you put some shelves in the wardrobe, so you can store some of your supplies there? Or is it full of the in-laws stuff? I am getting ready to have a wardrobe hauled up to my sewing room. Cast off by a friend, so I am going to outfit it with shelves for all my millinery goodies.

Here is a link to a pic of the hubby and I steampunking it for Halloween-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60256071@N06/7632038122/in/set-72157630717172350/

I made my jacket and hat; his vest, hat and gauntlet. His jacket is still a work in progress. It was a beautiful wool bagpipers jacket I found at the thrift shop! I didn't have time to give it a do over, so will finish it off for him by fall. I am going to put brass buttons on it, along with an epaullette and whatever other crazy stuff I find in my stash.

OH, and last but not least, for all you lovely UK steamers, here is a link for Abney Park-
http://wefund.com/project/get-abney-park-over-to-the-uk/p44769/

they were supposed to be doing a show in UK, and offered to do it for free, if the promoters paid for their airfare to England. All has gone awry thanks to mother nature, and they are trying now to raise funds to get to the festival. Not sure if this is the show you are doing, Sally? Anyway, they are one of my favorite bands. Like to raise some funds for myself to get over there, with them! If anyone gets to their show, post a synopsis here.......

[Former_Member]

Sally-Ann - I know the infuriation of having the ideas, the materials but not the time. Here are my thoughts, but I'm absolutely sure you've already thought of them:

You could do table top craft time with your daughter? She makes something nice with children's craft things while you work in your products.

You could pack yourself a box of materials (eg. scissors, thread, glue) and sit doing your products while others watch tv.

Temporarily ease up on some uneccessary chores during the build up to the asylum, eg. ironing bed sheets, etc and use the extra time to make.

Is there anything you can make in bulk? Or is everything individual? Like one day glue all the feathers, then the next day glue all the something elses on all the products. I think it's a faster way of production.

When you're creating listen to high octain music (I like Muse and 2 many DJs and 70s rock and Tenacious D) it'll make you work faster and keep going longer.

Umm.... abuse coffee?

I'm struggling with the heat too, I've been hanging round in vest and shorts drinking beers for the last couple of days. But as I'm planning on having such an absolutely productive summer I'm allowing myself a few days of chill out.

If the heat's still really bad you might want to re-consider your outfit for the asylum, eg. rather than shirt, corset, skirt and jacket you could go for more of a skycaptain look in shirt and jodpurs with a cap and goggles. Still very steampunk but not unbreathable in the heat. Especially if you're in a heat trap room or in direct sunlight with no shade.

Don't worry about laundry mountain, as long as you can hide it it doesn't matter!!

Nomadicknits - I'm really glad to have you here too! :D I know it must be horrible, I doubt I could survive in that heat, let alone make knitwear and do photoshoots, but hang in there. Etsy I've found if you've got seasonal products keep working as hard as possible all year because people search early for things. I've got an autumnal fascinator which people use in treasuries all year round because people like autumn. So you might find that people are still interested in your knits even out of season. Do you have photoshop? You could edit your shoots, edit the slight sweat from the model's nose, change the lighting to look a little more autumnal? Or you could go completely different, photo your items hanging on a cute washing line against a brick wall (very popular on etsy). Invest in a manequinn? Mind you knits are a personal thing which I think probably need models. Or maybe you could make the contrast of heat and knit to be your selling point. You could have your models in floaty summer dresses wearing your knits? You could bang some nails into trees and hang your knits on nice wooden coat hangers or something unusual like wrapped round vintage picture frames. Then you could do your model shots against a white background in a cool room. You can always photomanipulate backgrounds onto a white background on photoshop. So you could do the modelling inside then photoshop a wintery forest in after?

Just some ideas off the top of my head. :)

I think we all need some high productivity right now! I certainly do, so thanks for the kind words.

Kim - I can't download pics from flickr, I reeeeally want to feature your steampunk outfit on our group, can you send it to me in a message? I'd really like to start an album of all out steampunk/cosplay outfits.

There are shelves in there and I stack boxes of material in the area clothes should hang. It is a good storage space, but I'm not a logal person, I'd rather have a nice looking room rather than good storage space.

Although I could live with it if I turn it into the TARDIS.....

I'm so jealous of your clothes making skills, I want to make clothes more than anything, but without the funds for expensive lessons or someone who knows how to show me my blind in the dark approach is very expensive, I've wasted so much material on making things too big or small or messing up darts. That's another problem, I'm impatient, I like to skip the simple projects and go straight to 16th century gowns! I might start charity shopping and editing with lace and buttons and things.

xx

[NomadicKnits]

Thanks so much for the great ideas Georgina!!! I especially like the idea of hanging my knits from wooden hangers on trees or draped upon vintage wooden picture frames. You've just opened up a whole new world of ideas for me!!

LOVE your steampunk outfits Kim! Wow. I am also jealous of your sewing talent. *wink*

[KimberlyAndertDesign]

Georgina, I will try to convo you, and send the picture that way. Not sure that will work?

Nomadicknits, it would be so nice to put a real name to your lovely picture! Anyway, I don't know if we have a thread going on the photography subject already, so I will just go on here a bit.... I found a wonderful, creative photographer through our local photography club. It is a mix of professionals and beginners, all looking to improve their skills. I have this great photographer now, who is more than willing to shoot my work, just so she can round out her portfolio. You might want to look into something like this, because there is no reason why you couldn't shoot your lovely knits indoors, during summer. Some photogs do have their own studios with backdrops, and it is amazing how many are willing to trade time for pictures (TFP), to get the chance to shoot something different. You can also check with the art department at your local college. A lot of students need a variety of shots for their year end portfolios, and would probably love to work with and artist like you. If you have any questions, just ask......I can at least advice on the pleasures, perils and pitfalls of collaborative photo shoots! We have a big free for all scheduled for this Saturday with several models, to shoot some of my hats, and smaller wearable pieces. Should be chaotic fun......

[NomadicKnits]

My apologies for being so mysterious! My name is Kristina. I really appreciate you all taking the time to give me such great advice.

Unfortunately I am currently living out in the middle of nowhere or else I would definitely look into finding an amateur photographer. For now it's just me and my boyfriend trying eek by on our very limited photography skills. But you are certainly right that I should just take photos indoors for now. It's just that I have ideas swirling around in my head of all these glorious outdoor photos and I have Veruca Salt syndrome: "I want it now!"

Good luck with your photo shoot. Hope it goes well!

[Former_Member]

Oooohhhh that's a good way of putting it, I'm HORRENDOUS at wanting things NOW!

Today I'm off to the beach to sit on the sand and think of doll ideas. Bliss or what :D

Lovely to know your name Kristina, and no need to thank us, it's just the IHLIB way :D

Off to the beach! woo! xx

[Former_Member]

I'm thinking of adding a "This made me smile thread" or something along those lines, a thread where people can copy and paste links to pictures or videos or memes (still don't fully get those) which made them smile. It can be anything! Just an interactive thread with a difference that will be really entertaining. xx

[Former_Member]

Georgina - good idea for a thread :) And I'm glad to see you're recruiting another Leader! Thanks for the ideas, yes, I've tried most. Little'un has sat with me stringing plastic beads or doing playdough (or finding tiny beads I've dropped!!!). As for ironing - ha, only when necessary! Bedsheets? Never. After I learned that my granny ironed tea towels, I developed a laid back approach to really flat cloth. My music has often been Pendulum, lots of Birthday Massacre, Collide, Moby. Yup, tunes t get me moving. (I daredn't play Tenacious D, she'd be singing it at pre-school...)

To everyone on this thread: wishing you renewed energy, inspiration and creativity as Autumn blows nearer.

I've been making, I just won't list things on Etsy until after my event (no, nothing to do with Abney Park). However, have a sneak peek on my Facebook page. Share it loads, please!!!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Navigatrix-Steampunk-inspired-Original-Crafts/239246576161938?ref...

[Former_Member]

I'm sure you'll see I've promoted you on my facebook. xx

[Former_Member]

Every now and then, I have a creative 'spurt'. Last night was one. I usually go to bed at a sensible hour (around 10) but last night, having finished my second pair of upcycled fingerless gloves, I felt the need to carry on. Just as well really, as I'm bulking up my stock for next weekend. (Eek, how has it come round so fast?!?) I made a necklace and matching earrings, plus another four pairs of earrings.

Schools start back tomorrow, so I'll get five clear mornings to sort myself out. Checking in here gives me a feeling of being accountable. A little self motivation! Showing Matt what I've made helps too. He occassionally rings my doorbell, newest prop weapon wrapped in an old jacket. We might discuss what the next design step is or he'll simply be proudly showing me a complete piece.

By having others to 'report' to, either through posting updates on a medium such as Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Navigatrix-Steampunk-inspired-Original-Crafts/239246576161938?ref... ) or chatting in your favourite groups, you help yourself to maintain your momentum and support that essential self-esteem. I could easily write twice the amount of posts with an 'I haven't done this yet' theme, but that is clearly a waste of energy (and nobody likes a Moaning Minnie). By keeping my focus on the positives, I steer my thoughts and actions in the right direction.

So, what would you like to share with us today?

P.S. Thanks Georgina!

[Former_Member]

Oh I have HUGE inspirational bursts, it all comes together in one huge flash! You can't force them, I've come to realise that one! They just happen, usually for me it's on public transport! I'll sit, rest my head against the window and let my thoughts just roll and develop.

xx

[NomadicKnits]

Ooh, yes I always need to remind myself not to force inspiration because for me, it always comes in a burst too! If I force it,and just knit something because I want to get that next listing up, I usually just end of wasting time on something that I am going to end up re-doing the next day.

It's strange that you mention public transport, Georgina, because I have found inspiration there as well! When I lived in the city I spent loads of time on the bus, and it seems to be such an unlikely time for me to be inspired because I don't really care to be in such close quarters with lots of strangers, but every now and then, I would find myself having a zen moment amidst all the chaos and inspiration would just spill out. I think it had something to do with the forward motion, for there's something about just simply moving from place to place that gets me inspired.

I have to say though, that my favorite inspirations come to me just before falling asleep! All these crazy ideas come to mind, and usually I either won't fully remember the next morning, or It'll be just too crazy to actually accomplish. Ha! Have you guys experienced this?

[Former_Member]

I have to say I agree with the public transport thing. Although these days, I'm rarely on the bus, I used to commute for up to 2 hours. I'd get in my own protected little zone even when I was like a standing sardine on the tube. There's something very Zen, very meditational about being physically still on some sort of vehicle which itself is moving...

These days, I get inspired when walking or sitting at my table in front of my (increasing) pile of bits. Yes, it comes in bursts (I have achieved more in these last two evenings than in the past two weeks!) My brother Matt was over today, saying how he tends to play the same albums over and over, that certain tracks help him to sculpt, others to make Steampunk stuff. (I talk alot about him, we've always been close and are now just a few doors away, supporting each other's Etsy shops :)

It's frustrating when the inspiration comes just as you're doing something else. I'm a mum, I get that a lot! I either stuff materials together or do a quick sketch to remind me. I have quite a few half-made things, too, where the initial inspiration hadn't been so well formed..

[Former_Member]

I made a treasury based on the first series of my favorite books (since I was 14) and the author (Jacqueline Carey) retweeted it and posted it on Facebook!!! Gahhhh I'm so excited! It has over 1,000 views so far.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ2MzcxNzR8MjcyMzI2MjA1MA/kushiels-dart?ref=pr_treasury

[NomadicKnits]

Wow Emily, that certainly is exciting! I don't think I've ever seen a treasury with that many views!! Did you think it would become this popular or were you taken by surprise?