Etsy happenings

In preparation for my store makeover, I'll be having sales until then... I have items that are soon up for renewal, and, really, I'd rather sell them than keep 'em in the shop. Mention this blog and get free first class shipping (in U.S.) on those items. They are already marked down for your viewing pleasure. Click on the photos to see their listings and a few more, too.

I am so greatful for how this shop has come along. I've been shipping to Australia, Canada, Europe...this list goes on. I love interacting with people so far away...my mind wanders off trying to figure out their style and personality based on their purchase. Some are just natural quirky with the crazy prints they purchase...others are classy and feminine...but all are creative, no doubt about it. Other sellers on Etsy are so nice, too and friendly. I have a great sense of community when I chat with any user on it.

I've been steady with sales and happy with that. For now, this shop just give me a little extra spending money to goof off. Off sets the fact I don't work full time to begin with. I love scouting out the items too, it's a bit of retail therapy that I don't feel guilty about! I've got sooo many more items that are not listed in the shop...I really hope the new set takes off without a hitch. I want to share them with the world. And the saga continues...

No more weather permitting

The Holiday season was pretty crazy for me...from November through now there was always somewhere to be or something to do. I've decided to clamp down, yet once again, to photograph the items I have, to sell in the shop. I'm a bit constrained with my set up now: only can I photograph on Saturdays and Sundays in the mornings due to the natural light and my work schedule. I bought Photoshop basics to help me with this issue. But, really, getting the lighting right the first time saves a lot of hassle in the long run.

I am looking into a new backdrop- what I have, I'm not happy with. I was talking with the folks about this and they initiated the idea of me having space in the house to build a "set." Something semi permanent, one I don't have to move around all of the time. With weather and wind being unpredictable, there have been some weekends where I haven't been able to get any photos done outside, too.

Hopefully I can get that going within the next couple of weekends.

I've been doing research on how to set up lighting: tips, techniques, and on the cheap. I've also been playing around with the advanced features on my camera. (oooh, fancy!!!)

This new set up will come with challenges and much experimentation but it will turn out amazing. I know it. Once this is going, I can list more frequently and I might also get a lazy-sleeping-in-on-a-Sunday back. I'll be able to take photographs during the weekday evenings and won't be rushing to photograph as many items I can in a few hour period. Quite frankly, I would love to keep the biz exclusively online...not so many flea markets this year (unless I want to take a load off).

I have a few more ideas too...that soon will be shown. My mind is always a churnin'. I can't wait to see the final product :-)

Happy 2009!

I started 2009 the best possible way that I could imagine... Decided last minute (well, 2 nights before) to fly to Nor Cal, 600 miles to Redding. There, one of my bestest girlfriends picked me up and we just hung out. There was no wedding to go to, no rush rush stuff, nuthin. I've always had the traveling bug, and haven't been out lately, so it was nice to pick up my back pack and leave for the New Years 4 day weekend that I had. That's right...back pack...I was able to scale down everything so I had room to spare. My copy of "The Town and the City" by Kerouac took up the most space...and it was not wasted space.

I got to check out the family's new coffee shop in Redding, experience the midnight noisy wind and snowfall beating against the house in Weed, and meet the snowboarding crowd in Mt. Shasta at a couple of downtown bars. But most of all, I spent time with Christine and living a day in her life, well, kind of. It really did open my eyes, she' s an awesome mom and wife, and wow, I guess we are adults! We did a lot of catching up...and we really haven't lost it...we beat her husband and his mom at Pictionary!

Chatting until midnight with hot tea or sitting outside that Shasta bar where it's so cold you can see your own breath as you speak...talking about beliefs, experiences, obstacles, uncertainties...I really do miss that friendship. There are only a certain few I have that kind of relationship with, I do not take it for granted. I miss it, unfortunately those close to my heart like that are far away.

We did some shopping too...I found some shoes that I will be listing in the store.

I also ran across an MNG Mango shop with clothes by Penelope Cruz and her sister...Of course I picked up a few items!

Rather than spending New Years Eve at a crowded bar rubbing elbows with drunk idiots and superficial party go-ers, this last minute-on-a-whim trip was completely worth it. And I would do it again in a heartbeat. Even if I had to charge it.

Next stop: San Francisco.