Wednesday, January 31, 2007

I have to move and a whole bunch of other stuff

Well, the house has finally sold. This means my house-mate and I have to move. We've already found a suitable house through the same real estate agent who handles the one we are currently in.

The new house is much better. It's 3 bedroom rather than 2, and it's generally bigger. The kitchen is huge compared to the pokey little one we are used to. I'm looking forward to being in the new house, but not looking forward to moving along with all the expenses associated with moving. So in a couple of weeks there will be a period of perhaps 4 days when I won't have internet access while Telstra changes me over, but I will be sure to let you all know when this will be.

On a different note, my shoulder seems to have sorted itself out. I am glad of that. Wasn't looking forward to having to go to physio. I just don't have time at the moment. What with working hard at my business, but also now adding to the mix packing and moving. Not fun.

On a positive note, I've been receiving lots of great feedback on my products that I currently have listed on my Etsy shop. I'm really grateful for this. It shows that I am on the right track even though things may not be currently selling. One suggestion I've had is to use plainer fabrics for my wrist candy wristlets and add beads. I'm all for adding beads to anything and everything, so this suggestion sits great with me. Thanks to Gale for suggesting it.

I've also had amazing feedback this week on my beaded quilties. I'm so glad of this as I was unsure if they would sell on Etsy. I'm yet to sell one, but am certainly enjoying making them. I have been using ARTchix images, but will be using more Paper Whimsy images in ones to come.

I received a wonderful package in the mail this morning from ARTchix studio with my complimentary Valentine's Faux Postage. I had two of my ATCs used in this sheet so I am over the moon about that. Mine are number's 11 and 32. I loved how 32 came out so much that I had to make one for me to keep. You can see all the entries here and a bit about the contributing artists as well - Valentine's Faux Postage. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.


This ACEO/ATC above is available for sale in my Etsy shop, as is the one below.

Friday, January 26, 2007

New Etsy Seller

I was browsing through Etsy this morning and came across a very new seller. Her store name is "monkey222".

She does the most delightful painted purses! Her subjects are fun and she uses vibrant colours. She currently has 5 items in her shop, a fox, a ghost, a ladybug and 2 cats. But I'm sure she has more on the way.

I know she would appreciate if people could look at her shop. Perhaps you will see something you like.

http://monkey222.etsy.com

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Finally Updating My Blog

I really hate it when I get so far behind with my blog. I've been trying to post every day but it hasn't been happening. I was unwell for a few days and that threw me completely out of kilter. And then my shoulder's been playing up as well so I've been trying to stay off the computer as much as possible. So, here's the update. And I'll try to do better.


I recently bought Barbara Randle's book "Crazy Quilting With Attitude". It's a great book and I made something using some of the techniques that same day. That's really unusual for me, but I was so inspired by the projects and techniques in this book that I just had to make something straight away. So I made this bag.

It was lots of fun to make. I love crazy quilting anyway, but don't have the patience to sit there are hand embroider every seam as is traditionally done. I was able to use some of the fancy stitches on my machine. I'm extremely happy with how it turned out. You can see more details on my Etsy shop.

On another note, I have shut down the supplies part of my business due to my advertising being stuffed up by one of the biggest magazine companies in Australia who shall remain nameless. I have cancelled the advertising (although I think they have ignored my fax) and will be selling the supplies that I have on hand through my Etsy shop at cost or less. So keep an eye out for supplies to be appearing regularly on my shop.

We had a bit of drama here in the last week or so. Twice in the last week the water mains has blown outside my house. We currently are using water from our neighbours place (they have a big black hose going from their place to ours) so we have water. The council are going to replace some of the pipes so they don't blow again. It's supposed to happen in the next 7 days. It's going to be interesting because the landlord has the house up for sale and their is an open house here on Saturday, with a big black hose travelling over the fence. Lots of fun.

But life is good. Even though I am busy, I am feeling content with my life. I am looking forward to what this year has to offer.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

January 2 Artwork of the Day

This quilt is titled "My Dolly". I'm not as happy with this one. I'm going to try some different techniques today as see if I can make them look a bit nicer.

It is for sale in my Etsy shop.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

January 1 Artwork of the Day

This is the artwork of the day for me for January 1. I made this on the first of the year. I'm really happy with it. It looks much nicer in person that it does in a photo.

Everything (except the buttons) are machine stitched down. The cat's tail and legs, and the little girl's face, hair, arms and legs are free machine embroidered.

This is the second of my little mini quilts. It is for sale in my Etsy shop.

I will be doing another later today. They are fun and quick to do. I'm really enjoying them.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Esty Store Review

I have been hanging out in the chat rooms on Etsy a lot these past few days and I've met some interesting people. And I've seen lots and lots of cool products.

But this lady has products that are perfect for cool weather. The shop is called Broken Halleluiah. She is a crochet artist. She makes the greatest slippers, toys, bags and jewellery. On top of that, she's a heck of a nice lady.

Her slippers come in a range of colours and sizes. She'll also make them to fit you in the colours you want.

Please go and check out her shop. It's Broken Halleluiah.

Happy New Year

It's now January 1st, and I'm looking forward to this year. It's going to be an exciting time for me.

Yes, I have a few resolutions. I want to post to my blog daily. I want to do a small art quilt daily as well.

This is the first of my daily art quilts. I made this last night. It's for sale in my Etsy shop.

The quiltie is 7" x 8 1/4". All the fabrics came from the same range. You'll see more quilties and art dolls in this fabric throughout the coming months.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2007.