The Adventures of Easily Distracted Girl

Very Important

2007-08-16T10:38:00.000+10:00

I will not be posting to this blog for a while. I need to get some stuff in my personal life sorted out.

I will be posting to my personal blog so you can still keep up with what I am doing. You can find it here.

Jo's new blog

Thanks for reading.

New Projects in the Works

2007-07-04T12:25:00.000+10:00

Well, after another 4 weeks of no internet access I am finally back online. Honestly, I felt like I was in the stone age. It's amazing how much my life revolves around the internet, especially Etsy.com.

I have also finally started making things again after moving. I made my first batch of cold process soap the other day, so watch for cold process soap in my etsy store in about 4 weeks. I've also started making bags again. I have almost finished my first one and shall post pics as soon as it is done.

I have lots of exciting things planned for the second half of this year. My website is in the process of totally being redone. I am adding a shopping cart and you will be able to purchase items there that you won't be able to get at my Etsy shop. I will also be publishing all sorts of information on my website. Anyway, I'm real excited about it all.

I'll share more information and the days go by so be sure to check back often.

Finished and not so Finished Projects

2007-05-18T14:22:00.000+10:00

I finally finished the headband/ear warmer that I made from Shunklie's yarn. I am very happy with the way it turned out. I had just enough yarn. I think I have like 5" or so left.

I will be listing it in my Etsy shop eventually. I need to find a model to model it for me.

The above is a felt bag I have made. I have yet to put handles on it. This was an experiment. I haven't done much felting in the past but am finding it very enjoyable, and very addictive. I find I think about what can I felt next a lot. My plan was to work on a bowl today, but I have run out of energy so I think I might just continue spinning.

I will be listing more items in my Etsy shop in the coming days.

I once again have to move. Because of lots of reasons, I have fallen behind in rent and other bills. The real estate agent has already brought two lots of people through the house, one just now and one yesterday. I think this place will go really quickly. It's such a nice house at such a good price. So tomorrow I will get stuck into packing again.

TAGGED!

2007-05-15T14:55:00.000+10:00

Okay, seems like I am "it" thanks to esta sketch. Here are the rules:

1.List seven random facts/habits about yourself

2.Choose another seven bloggers to tag and list their names in your blog

3.Leave your seven tagged bloggers comments to notify them of their tagging and to direct them to your blog for tag instructions.

1. With my craft I am mostly self-taught. I have only had lessons in quilting and jewellery making. I decided jewellery making wasn't for me, I didn't enjoy it much (although I have a huge stash of beads). My Mum taught me to spin, my granny taught me to knit, other than that I either learnt at school or learnt from books and just trying stuff.

2. I love coffee. A lot. I probably drink too much, but I guess in a way it's my way of self medicating. I suffer from chronic depression and headaches/migraines, and the caffine seems to help.

3. I wear lip balm when I go to bed. I breath through my mouth and find my lips get really dry during the night. The lip balm definately helps.

4. I love camping and bushwalking/hiking. My parents used to take us when we were teenagers. We lived not far from the Blue Mountains so it was a regular thing for use to go camping in the mountains and go bushwalking. I always enjoyed that, and it's one of my favourite childhood memories.

5. There's two kids in my family, I'm the eldest and my brother is younger. He's 18 months younger than me. I've always called him "The Brain on Legs". He is a high school maths teacher in Brisbane. He's married, no kids. His wife is an English/Drama teacher.

6. I love animals. Always had. I've had numerous cats over the years, a couple of dogs and a rabbit. I currently have two cats. They have kept me sane. I would love to have a bunny rabbit again, but I am particuarly interested in an Angora bunny because of my spinning.

7. Last one. I collect anything and everything with sheep on it. I guess because I am a spinner/knitter, and I have a fondness for sheep as well. My grandparents used to have a sheep property and I spent a lot of time there as a child. I loved watching the sheep, helping at shearing time and also during lambing season. I would honestly have a real sheep if I could.

Okay, I tag Enthral, Kristie, Duet, castleman, SheKnits, redclix, and lessthanthree.

No pressure. :D

A Very Important Announcement

2007-05-08T12:41:00.000+10:00

A few posts ago I hinted at something exciting that would be happening with my Etsy shop. Well, here's the details.

I am no longer able to sew because of my back. I have a bad back and leaning over makes it worse. So, no more sewing for me, unless I can find a way to set up my machine that is going to eliminate the pain I currently get.

Subsequently, I have been looking for things I can do to generate some cash flow for myself. At the moment I am unable to work because of my back and other issues. I will be going to rehab starting this week for my back, and hopefully they can help me with my chronic depression as well.

Anyway, that's one reason why I've gone back to spinning and knitting. I can sit and do that with little or no pain.

And here's the exciting bit, I have started making soaps and lip balms as well. These are items I can sell locally as well as through my Etsy shop.

I have listed the lip balm in my Etsy shop already. The available flavour is "caramel/vanilla", and it's very caramelly. Pic is below. These are also available in tubes. I am still working on labels for these so I haven't listed them yet.

I will be adding a range of soaps in the next few days. They take longer to set than lip balm does. Scents for soaps will include lavender and citrus at this stage. This range will be expanded as I can afford it, as will the range of lip balm flavours.

I will continue to add to my range of yarns as well. I'm enjoying this. I hope you enjoy what I am creating.

Fiber Keeps You Regular

2007-05-06T09:41:00.000+10:00

I had bought a skein of yarn from Shunklies on Etsy ages ago, I think it may have even been my first purchase on Etsy. I rolled it into a ball and had no idea what I was going to do with it. It's a beautiful bulky yarn dyed in greens with a spash of blue and yellow. It's gorgeous!

Last night I decided to knit it into a headband/ear warmer. It has a cable running down the center. It's turning out really nice.

The reason I'm knitting on a circular needle is because I didn't have a pair of needles the right size. This small circular needle is perfect cause it's a narrow project.

The headband will eventually be for sale in my Etsy shop.

I also have received this skein of lace weight yarn from Shunklies. I'm still trying to decide what to do with it as there is only enough for a small project.

Be sure to visit Shunklie's on Etsy. She has some wonderful products, including finished items and some textile art stuff. I love the items I have bought from Shunklies, and I plan to buy more from her.

Something Very Important

2007-05-05T11:43:00.000+10:00

I realised something very important yesterday. I enjoy spinning much more than knitting the yarn I create. I also can't wait to start spinning. It seems to be all I think about these days. Spinning is very important to me. It is my passion!

My mother introduced me to spinning when I was a teenager. She only spun for a while and then her wheel sat in the corner until she finally got rid of it. At the time I found it difficult, but enjoyed it anyway. And being a teenager I prefered to be outside playing cricket with my brother than stuck inside with my mum.

So now I am back spinning again, and loving it. I have two drop spindles, one of which is pictured below. I bought this one from castleman on Etsy. She does wonderful paintings on her spindles. She also has a great spinning and dyeing zine which I get. It is full of great information.

Anyway, I'm madly trying to get caught up with bills and rent so I can buy myself a second hand spinning wheel. I've done so much spinning lately that my arms are hurting. Problem is, I want to keep spinning but my arms won't let me.

Here is some silk fiber I found at home. The colour hasn't turned out very well, but it's verigated blues and a bit of blue/green. I spun it last night. It was an absolute dream to spin, and it turned out very nice.

Here is the silk on the spindle. I have plyed it and when it is dry from setting the twist I will share pics.

This is my current spinning project. There is 175 grams of beautiful multi-coloured merino roving here. It is a dream also to spin up. I've always loved spinning merino. They say it isn't a fiber for beginners to work with, but I don't agree. It drafts easily, feels beautiful and soft on your hands, and spins up lovely and soft.

I'll share pics of the spun fiber when I've done some more.

I'm Dyeing Here

2007-05-04T13:42:00.000+10:00

My Aunt gave me a whole bunch of white wool roving. All I know is that it's wool, I don't know what sort. I spun some up with the intention of dyeing it and then plying it.

The above is 4 skeins ready to dye.

The above is 2 skeins dyed pink. I used Rit Dye from the pharmacy. I will be getting proper dye eventually when I am in a better financial situation.

I have two more skeins to dye, and will be dyeing those sapphire blue. I will share pics when they are done.

The above is some of the roving from knittydirtygirl spun up. I plyed it with rayon machine embroidery thread. The yarn is beautiful and soft. It is available for purchase through my Etsy shop.

Speaking of my Etsy shop, I have some exciting plans in the works. I won't share yet, but keep your eye out for exciting new products. :D

It's Official

2007-04-30T15:34:00.000+10:00

It's Official! KnittyDirtyGirl of Etsy ROCKS!!!!

I bought this fiber from her (pic below) and it is the loveliest fiber I have ever spun with. It is so easy to draft, and it is spinning up beautifully. The colours blend well together, creating this gorgeous multi-coloured yarn.

If you spin or knit you need to visit Knitty's shop. She has the nicest stuff. She's definately got me as a customer for life now!

Fiber Makes the World Go Around

2007-04-22T10:42:00.000+10:00

Lately I've gotten back into spinning my own yarn. It's been lots of fun. I can't sit at my sewing machine for long periods of time anymore because of a bad back, so I have found spinning and knitting to be good therapy.

I am currently using a drop spindle. I do not have a spinning wheel, and a drop spindle is a good cheap alternative.

I have so far created 2 skeins of yarn. The first is a blue/green yarn that I spun, I then plyed it with a white yarn that I spun. Keep in mind that I have not spun yarn for about 18 years. I am happy with how this turned out. You can see more about it in my Etsy shop.

The second skein I created is below. I spun the white and then plyed it with 8 ply acrylic. I have been encouraged by many spinners on Etsy to experiment with my yarn creation. So here it is. It also is for sale in my Etsy Shop.

The yarn that I am working on now will be used for a project that I am planning. I will write more about that when the yarn is done. Here is a photo of my drop spindle with the yarn on it.

My yarn is coming out really well now. It is more even in size with less lumps and bumps. I am spinning with white fiber, but plan to dye it when I have some more done. The white fiber I have was given to me so I have no idea where it came from or what sort of sheep's wool it is.

I am currently waiting for a package with some fiber to spin in it to arrive from America. KnittyDirtyGirl on Etsy has wonderful fiber and I fell in love with some. It's pink (of course), and I plan to mix some Angelina in for some sparkle factor as I spin it. I will be luscious when it's finished. I will post pics when I receive the fiber and when I am spinning it.

Below is some of the luscious fiber that knitty sells.

I will writing more about the yarn and fiber sellers on Etsy. They have some wonderful stuff, so stay tuned.

New Range of Designs in my Etsy Shop

2007-03-29T10:37:00.000+10:00

This is my newest creation. Her name is Gabby. She is a country style prim doll. I love her. She's the first prim doll I've ever made. She was lots of fun to make. I've since made another but she's not quite finished. I'll post pics when she is done.

Gabby is for sale on my Etsy shop. I hope you like her. Please let me know what you think.

I'm Finally Back Online

2007-03-20T09:18:00.000+11:00

It only took them 5 weeks to get my phone and internet connected. But I'm online again and really thankful for that. I have missed being online and chatting with my friends. But I have been really busy. But first things first.

The move went well. I had lots of help from people in my church, and I'm really thankful for that. My roomie moved out so now I have a 3 bedroom house to myself.

The picture above is a quilt I have been working on. It's no where near finished. I still have to put borders on it but would share where I'm up to. I'm happy with how it is coming along. Feel free to comment on it, and what you think I should do to the borders. I have some ideas but feedback from everyone would be great.

MOVING HOUSE

2007-02-13T11:01:00.000+11:00

I will be offline for up to two weeks while I move house. I am changing service providers and it takes them that long to get organised.

Thanks to people for your comments and support. I look forward to posting more once I am back online.

Watch for new products and new lines for my Etsy shop.

Something to Crow About

2007-02-07T11:56:00.000+11:00

I wanted to promote a seller on Etsy called PlasticRooster. She does the most amazing drawings!. Below is a drawing of my cat she did. She does custom work, and is really good at it. I'm very happy with my drawing. Please visit her shop. Thanks.

New Wallet Design

2007-02-04T15:09:00.000+11:00

I've been trying to come up with a design for a decent wallet for a while now. This is the prototype. I need to change a couple of things, like the width, but other than that it's pretty good.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Random Sale in My Etsy Shop

2007-02-02T12:28:00.000+11:00

Due to the fact I am moving in a couple of weeks and need some cash really badly for the extra expenses, I have decided to have a sale in my Etsy shop. This is a Random sale. This means that the percentage off for each day will be different.

It could be anywhere from 5% up to 50% off. So you could get the bag above for as little as $10 plus shipping.

The sale will run until Valentine's day. You will need to check my shop each day to find out what the percentage off for that day is. Today it is 20%.

So be quick. Things won't last long in my shop with people being unsure of what the percentage off will be from day to day.

Featured Artist - NoraLynneDesigns

2007-02-01T13:07:00.000+11:00

Have you ever wanted a unique piece of jewellery for a special outfit? Perhaps something like this:

Well, LauraLynneDesigns at Etsy.com might be the shop for you.

1. Name: Nora Lynne Rogers

2. Etsy Shop: NoraLynneDesigns.etsy.com

3. How did you start creating your artwork? Like most art-minded, it started when I was a kid. Instead of playng outside or watching cartoons, I was always holed up in my room playing with modeling clay, chunky bead, stained glass kits- anything I could get my hands on. Making things became a habit for me, and as I got older I learned to love the functionality of many of my pieces. Instead of paying for jewelry, I could make my own and then not only was I wearing something pretty, but I was wearing a symbol of pride.

4. How do you describe your style? Eclectic. I hate making the same things over and over, which is why most of my stuff is one-of-a-kind. And I love playing with colors, so that gives a lot of versatility to what I can do. I love being able to have any woman come up to me, and in the end walk away with something she loves.

5. What other types of artwork would you like to try? All of them! Seriously, the polymer clay was my most recent venture and now I am stepping into acrylic painting and photography. In the future I see PMC, and cold porcelain clay. Maybe I'll even step into the past and do a little decoupage.

6. What are the primary ways you promote your business? I promote both my website and Etsy shop through LiveJournal and MySpace (both usernames are Butterflysedai). I frequent the Etsy forums and the Red chat room, send out business cards with every order and I also do The Sampler (http://www.homeofthesampler.com) when I can.

If you would like to be a featured seller on my blog please contact me at AddictedToArt.etsy.com .

I have to move and a whole bunch of other stuff

2007-01-31T10:31:00.000+11:00

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.

New Etsy Seller

2007-01-26T13:42:00.000+11:00

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

Finally Updating My Blog

2007-01-25T12:36:00.000+11:00

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.

January 2 Artwork of the Day

2007-01-03T11:59:00.000+11:00

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.

January 1 Artwork of the Day

2007-01-02T13:21:00.000+11:00

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.

Esty Store Review

2007-01-01T12:49:00.000+11:00

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

2007-01-01T07:46:00.000+11:00

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.

2006-12-29T18:13:00.000+11:00

Wow! Time flies when you are having fun. This last week has been hectic. But then again, Christmas always is.

I've avoided the shops because the after Christmas sales are on. I went up today to get some more paper for my printer so I can print out my zine.

This is a little pouch I made today. I wanted something smaller than my wallet and this seemed to fit the bill.

I saw one similar on Etsy and really liked it. I figured I could make my own, which I obviously did.

I will make it wider next time, but this will do for the moment. Until I have the money to buy the wallet off Etsy that I want.

It has two zippers. The front one is for coins, the back one for cards and notes, etc. It's lined with a bright orange print.

I've also been making lots of crocheted dish cloths. I'll soon have enough to put some up on Etsy. I want to sell them in packs of 3. They are good to make while I'm lurking in the Etsy chat rooms...lol.

How Much Do I Heart Etsy?

2006-12-23T09:52:00.000+11:00

Etsy has become one of my favourite online hang-outs. There are a lot of great artists there and I find so much inspiration just from browsing the different categories.

So, in tribute to Etsy I made this felted ACEO to tell the world how I feel.

The whole thing is done on a piece of pink felt. I've added red, orange and purple fibers and dry felted them onto the pink felt. I then added the purple felt and felted that on too. I didn't want my person to be naked.

I added the beads and charms and whip stitched the whole thing to a piece of yellow felt.

I'm very happy with this piece. It's currently for sale in my Etsy shop.

This piece was done for a collaborative charm necklace project that I am heading up on Etsy. This is the charm I made.

It's a felted piece on purple felt, with beads. I sewed a piece of purple fabric to the back to hide the stitching.

This will not be for sale for some time. It is going to America where it will be incorporated into a necklace. Then the necklace is being sent to Belle Armoire for possible publication. Once the necklace has returned home it will be put up for sale on Etsy with all the proceeds going to charity.

I had lots of fun making this charm. I was up at 7am this morning working on it in my jammies cause I had the idea running around in my head.

And this is really how I feel about Etsy. It's a wonderful community of sellers who support and help each other. If you have any doubts, just go look at Etsy for yourself.

New Textile Art

2006-12-22T08:56:00.000+11:00

I finally relegated my inner critic to the corner and had some fun yesterday with some textile stuff I've been wanting to do.

This piece is called "New Beginnings". It's based on Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." It's 4" x 4".

I'm extremely happy with how it turned out.

It's done on a base of purple felt and timtex. It is free motion stitched using verigated cotton thread. I've added some dyed silk waste and free motioned over that as well. I then beaded the piece.

The back is a piece of purple felt and I stitched the layers together using a satin stitch using the same verigated cotton thread.

It's a really yummy looking piece. I've added it to my Etsy shop and I'm hoping it will sell quickly.

Blessing Dolls

2006-12-20T14:04:00.000+11:00

Blessing Dolls are a 9" doll for giving to babies and small children. They are designed and made by me. They come in any colour you can imagine. They are nice and squishy, and machine washable.

I created these dolls after looking through the doll and toy section on Etsy. It seemed to be full of monsters. I wanted to do something positive and uplifting for both parent and child.

This one is called "Amy". I have two more which are ready to go into my Etsy shop. This one is already up.

I'm hoping they will be very popular. They are quick to make up, and cheap to buy.

I'm happy to take custom orders too. I can make them in any colour you like.

On a different note, I have started writing the first issue of my zine, which will be available in my Etsy shop on January 1st. It's named after this blog, and will include at least 2 patterns, info, reviews and lots of general rambling by me. So look out for that.

I'm Over The Moon

2006-12-19T10:27:00.000+11:00

Well, I've finally done it. I've done another little quiltie. This one is 7" x 7" and is soooo perfect for your little girl's room.

I had lots of fun making this one. And I've actually quilted it too on my machine. So I'm very proud of it.

It is for sale in my Etsy shop. I'm hoping it will soon go to a new home.

Today I have to work on a page for a friend's fabric book. Here theme is "Alaska". I've decided to do something rather abstract this time. No pictures printed on fabric, but purely fabric and thread and maybe some yarn stuff. I'll be sure to post pics when it's done.

New Fabric Postcard

2006-12-13T17:09:00.000+11:00

I just made this fabric postcard today. It's much nicer in person than the scan shows.

I made it from upholstery fabric, angelina fiber, buttons and beads. I'm planning to make more of these using different fabrics, trims, beads, images, and anything else that will go onto a fabric postcard.

I'd love to sell it in my Etsy shop but don't know what I should charge or what section to put it in.

I think I would like to charge around $10 - 12 US plus shipping. Your comments and thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Are you Dirty? Then Read On

2006-12-12T11:35:00.000+11:00

I have found one of the coolest sellers on Etsy.com (trust me, there are a lot of cool sellers...me included). She is kind, helpful, quick to give compliments, and I've never heard her say a bad word about anyone. On top of all that, she sells the coolest soaps, lip balms, and other stuff too.

So, who am I talking about?

You really want to know?

It's bradli of course. You'll find her shop here.

Please go and check her shop out. She's got lots of really cool stuff. And if bradli can't get you clean, no one can!

I've Got A New Banner

2006-12-05T14:40:00.000+11:00

AbbieRoad on Etsy was kind enough to do this new banner for me for my Etsy shop (click on it for a larger view). I just love it. My old one was really boring, pink with writing and fuzzy edges. This is brilliant! I love it so very much, so I'm going to give AbbieRoad a good plug today.

Abbie is a graphic artist. She's now a stay at home Mom so designs all sorts of cool stuff from home. She can do logos (I'm going to ask her to do one for me next year) and banners (as you can see from mine). She's also incredibly helpful and very easy to work with. Please check out her shop. I'm not affiliated in any way, just a very happy customer.

New Items on Etsy

2006-12-02T16:18:00.000+11:00

I've added 3 new listings on my Etsy site today, and shall be adding more hopefully tomorrow.

I added this necklace set. This is the first set I've made and I'm really happy with it, considering I made it totally from beads in my stash. I'm hoping it will sell quickly as it's at a good price and there is free shipping.

I also listed this cute little purse. I made it out of some Debbie Mumm fabric I had laying around. I'm very happy with this. Yellow isn't my colour so I'm hoping it will go to a good home. Would make a wonderful gift for the quilter in your life.

My life is going pretty well at the moment. I have sold some items on Etsy this week, but would love to sell much more. I would also love to sell some of my supplies off my main website. And that's going to be harder now cause the company I am doing my major advertising with stuffed it all up so instead of it coming out in December's issue, my ad won't be in until February's issue. And the magazine doesn't come out until the end of the month. So I am a bit peeved about that. So am trying to raise some money so I can advertise elsewhere as well.

I know it will all work out, but gee it's a bit frustrating at the moment.

NEW YAHOO GROUP FOR AUSSIE ARTISTS

2006-12-01T19:42:00.000+11:00

I have been searching for a Yahoo Group for Aussie collage and mixed media artists but haven't been able to find one. I wanted a group where I could network with other Aussies who are doing the same sort of thing as me. So a friend and I got together and we've created one. It's called Aussie Art Addicts. With Christmas coming up and people being so busy we're not expecting many people to join before January. But we're hoping that the word will start to spread in the New Year.

The picture to the left is an ACEO that I made yesterday. I've put it in my Etsy shop for $5US, which includes shipping to anywhere in the world. While you're there please check out my other items. Mention my blog in the comments and I'll throw in a cool gift for you. I'll be uploading some more stuff in the days to come, including a handbag (which I'm almost finished).

I've had a good week. Sold one of my dolls on Etsy, and sold a bracelet to a friend. I'm hoping this next week will be even better. It's getting close to Christmas and it's not looking good for me.

Don't forget that I have lots of goodies on my main website for sale. Some of them would make great Christmas gifts for any crafter's you know.

I hope you all enjoy the time leading up to Christmas. It's supposed to be a great time, but instead it seems to be a time of rushing and stressing.

MY CAFE PRESS STORE IS NOW OPEN

2006-11-24T12:27:00.000+11:00

I've been receiving such good feedback on my artwork lately that I decided to open a Cafe Press store and put my artwork on different items, such as mugs, t-shirts, magnets, etc.

Right now I have available a magnet (also available in a pack of 10) and a postcard (pack of 8). I will be adding more artwork and more items on a continuing basis.

I have a quirky sense of humour, so that is mostly what you will see there. Here's the link: Addicted To Art Cafe Press Store . Please check it out and let me know what you think. Thank you very much.

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: ARTchix Products Finally Available

2006-11-20T16:50:00.000+11:00

I finally got my website updated today with a large order of ARTchix stuff that's been sitting here for a while. I've added a bunch of paper collage sheets, fabric collage sheets, German scrap papers and Rubber Stamp Sheets.

I'm so excited cause I love these products so much. The images are fantastic to work with, whether you're making ATCs or large collages. I especially love the rubber stamps. They're photo stamps, so when you stamp them they look like a photo.

I hope you'll drop by to Addicted To Art to check out the new products. All prices are in Aussie Dollars.

The ATC shown here is one I made using an image of one of the sheets I got in. This is a great Christmas ATC. The papers are Basic Grey, which I also stock.

Turbulant Week

2006-11-19T11:15:00.000+11:00

This week has been a turbulant week for me. I've been back and forwards to the Drs several time, but now have the right diagnosis and medication.

I've spent the week doing lots of art to try and drag myself out of this pit called depression. It seems to have worked as I'm feeling quite good today. You can see all my artwork, including what I've done this week, on my Picture Trail.

I've also spent a lot of time looking through the current issue of Somerset Studio. There are lots of projects in there that have inspired me, but none more than Belinda Schneider's rubber stamped desk calendar for next year. I sat down and created my own yesterday afternoon. It was lots of fun using my rubber stamps. Most of the paper art I do is ATC size and many of my stamps are too big, so they don't get used as much as I'd like. I used lots of different stamps in the calendar. Once again, you can see the whole thing on my Picture Trail. This is a project I definately enjoyed, and will be trying to organise something for next year on one or more of the groups I belong to.

This week I'll get back into doing stuff for my business. I seriously need to make some money. Now that I'm on more meds money is very tight. It doesn't help that no one is buying from my website.

One of the things that I am introducing to my business is the option to view products via a Party Plan type situation. This can be done 3 different ways, as a demo, as a make and take, or as a class. The demo doesn't cost anything, the make and take is $5 and the class is $20. The hostess gets hers for free, plus she also gets a 10% discount on anything that she buys on the night. At the moment the only classes that are available are ATCs (paper) and Microscope Slide Pendants. I'm hoping that next year as my monetary resources increase that I'll be able to add some jewellery classes too, such as chain maille, earrings, and some wire work.

If you live in Orange, NSW, Australia and would like me to do a party for you, please leave a comment and I'll email you to discuss details.

Depression and Grieving

2006-11-08T13:15:00.000+11:00

The last couple of weeks have been interesting. I have really been missing my late husband, Bobby. He passed May 2005, so it's been 18 months. I haven't really grieved, I guess I've been too busy. Things haven't been going as well as I had hoped and my money is getting low. I'm really missing his regular income, having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off.

I know he would be proud of me, of how far I have come and what I've achieved. I've changed a lot in the last 18 months, I wonder if he would recognise me. I'm more sure of myself, of what I want, where I'm going, even though I still may be unsure of how to get there.

Anyway, the whole grieving thing has caused me to be very depressed so I've been to the Dr and she's given me some meds and sent me for grief counseling.

I've also been giving myself therapy in the form of sewing. I've had quite a break from doing any sort of sewing but am now getting back into it. I made a healing Angel doll yesterday. It's so cool. I got the idea from the article in Cloth Paper Scissors, but didn't really like the faces. I had these faces I got from ARTchix Studio (which I now stock) so I used those instead.

I'm really happy with the way she turned out. The image on her chest is from Paper Whimsy. She reminds me of me when I was that age. She represents me. The Scripture verse talks about how God sends his angels to minister to those who will inherit salvation. The doll is created by me to remind me that no matter what I go through I am not along. God's angels are there helping me, strengthening me, and encouraging me through each and every moment.

So the depression isn't as bad today. Creating helps me to focus on other things rather than what I'm going through and how I'm feeling. I guess you could say "I create away my troubles". And with God's help I know I will heal.

Etsy Seller - bentN2shape

2006-11-02T15:32:00.000+11:00

You gotta check out this guy's stuff. He makes all sorts of stuff from plain old wire. He does everything from jewellery to little figurines. This is my current favourite:

http://www.etsy.com/view_item.php?listing_id=590470

It's a horse, of course...lol.

He's one very talented but bent guy! Love his stuff. He's his shop link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=92603

Go check it out. Remember, Christmas is coming. You might find the perfect gift here.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

2006-10-28T17:46:00.000+10:00

I have finally got my FREE online zine and forums up and running. They have been running for a couple of days now. I have a few articles up, and will be adding more as the days go by. I have quite a number that I want to write, and I'm hoping some of my readers will be happy to contribute articles as well.

Go to my website where you'll find a link on the main page to the zine. The zine is called "Art Addicts Anonymous". Please sign the guestbook and let me know what you think.

On a different note, this bag is one that I finished recently. Easy to make and lots of fun. It's a good size, perfect for church. Big enough to hold all your bits, but not so big things get lost. There's one inside pocket, but when I make more to sell I'll put 2 inside pockets, and one outside pocket.

I have a number of bags on my etsy shop. I hope you stop by and have a look. I am happy to mail anywhere in the world. I also have some doll patterns, and some small pieces of artwork that I've done.

Well, it's that time of the day, dinner time. So I'm off to cook spag bol and a nice blackberry self-saucing pudding for desert.

New Classes Scheduled for Orange

2006-10-26T14:15:00.000+10:00

I am running some classes in the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, including some Christmas crafts. I thought it was high time I started sharing what I know, as that is what I want to be doing anyway.

I will be teaching classes on ATCs, Microscope Slide Pendants, Journal Jars, Christmas Ornaments, sewing and a bunch of other stuff. Details can be found on my website. Just scroll down and click on the link that says "Classes".

At the moment I am only running classes in Orange, NSW, Australia. I am unable to travel to teach at this stage. Give me another 6 to 12 months and I will be ready to travel to teach.

I will have products out on display for sale.

This is a venture that I'm really looking forward to. I've wanted to teach craft for quite a while and believe that I am now ready.

Keep an eye on my website and my blog as I'll have a big announcement in a couple of weeks. I'm not saying anything except that it's "free".

New Artwork

2006-10-25T12:13:00.000+10:00

This is a small collage (it's 4" x 4") that I did some time ago. It's one of my favourites, and currently for sale in my Etsy shop.

One of the most important things that I have to remind myself is that it's okay to dream big. My dreams are really big. There's so much I want to do, but dreaming big is one thing. It's doing the little steps in between that make the big dreams become reality.

I've had to learn to set goals and mini goals. The mini goals help me acheive the goals, which help me achieve my dreams. If you don't set goals along the way you'll get discouraged and your dream will remain exactly that, a dream.

The little girl in the collage is so sweet and so young. It's important to encourage our children to dream big in terms of what they can achieve. It's all about accepting the dreams of the children and encouraging them to work towards those. If they can learn while they are young that dreams can come true, then they will acheive great things throughout their lives.

The image in the collage is from Paper Whimsy, her wings are butterfly wings from ARTchix Studio. Please check her out on my Etsy shop. Thank you.

Welcome to my adventures

2006-10-24T08:54:00.000+10:00

This blog is about my adventures in art, business and life in general. First, before I get distracted, a bit about me.

My name is Johoanna and I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). I'm 34, single and work from home. I have a business called "Addicted To Art". I sell mixed media art supplies, including unmounted rubber stamps, collage sheets, Tim Holtz products, and a whole bunch more. It is internet based. I also teach art related stuff, such as ATCs, altered art, freeform hand embroidery, sewing, textile art, and a while bunch more.

You can find my site at http://www.addictedtoart.com.au .

I live with my cat, Mojo. She keeps me sane. She's a medium hair ginger cat with the fluffiest tail I've ever seen. I swear she has persian in her somewhere! I'll post a pic as soon as I can.

Now, here are some sites you need to know about. The first one is my picture trail site. This is where I post all my photos of my artwork. I have noted on the ones I have available for trade. If you'd like to trade all you have to do is email me or leave a comment and I'll get back to you. Here's the link: Johoanna's Picture Trail

The next one is my Etsy site. This is where I put a lot of my artwork that I make for sale, along with patterns and magazines I have for sale. Here's the link: Johoanna's Etsy Shop

I do hope you'll check those three links out and let me know what you think.