Dec 6th

I get lost in December sometimes and have to try to find a calendar and see what day it is. It's the 6th! I guess the countdown has begun. I have to keep track of the days for the sake of knowing when to take stuff to the post office and how fast stuff ships etc. The English Tea Box I just posted didn't survive 24 hours on Etsy so it's off to the post with it today. Then off to Pilates class and a train adventure to go pick up more supplies. This is becoming the weekly routine.
It's just about time to send off Christmas cards to family and friends too. There really is just not enough time in the day, not even if I get up at 5am. Whew!
Trying to go into the week with positivity even though to be honest the impending holidays have got me a little down. Staying busy will be a balm and I definitely have lots to stay busy at. Going to try and appreciate all the holiday decor downtown today, maybe hunt down some roasted chestnuts somewhere. Have never seen a roasted chestnut man selling them here but there should be!

December!

I'll be ringing in December with a few friends tonight! So excited to have some guests over for a "Hot Cocoa and Hot Glue" night. Me and a few lady friends will be making some fun Christmas crafts while sipping on some hot cocoa and catching up. I've been looking up projects and can't wait to make some cool paper ornaments and some more Christmas cards.
My cards in the shop have been doing well and I've been trying to steadily replenish them. It will be soon time to send out my own cards to family and friends...and so begins the busy month of December. I am going to relish every minute of this month- what a rare pleasure to not be working a 9-5 during Christmas! Will still be working- like an ELF- but on my own sweet schedule. Nutty as it is.
I'll shoot some photos of our craft night, maybe you should host your own- it's a great way to take a breather during the holidays with friends and really experience what makes the holidays important- friends and loved ones!

My Day Off

Mondays are typically my day off from being crafty in the studio. But I would hardly call it a day off. Up at 5:30 to check the shop, charge the ipod and get ready for Pilates and the Post Office. Taking all the orders to ship out today!
Then it will be a quick bite of lunch downtown and jumping the train to go get more supplies. Then back on the train downtown to catch another bus homeward- I'm figuring this is going to be an all day affair and I'll be putting in as many hours as most of you heading out to work today.
But this evening Im doing NOTHING!
Today is the last day of the big sale I've been running, tomorrow the BLACKCYBER1 code becomes inactive and I have the fun task of changing every listing manually back to normal. So BUY EVERYTHING so I don't have to do this! Ha!
Sold a bunch of Christmas cards, listed a few more and will be starting on commissioned stuff so people can have their gifts in time.
Wish me luck or another pot of coffee, here I go!

Hive Five!

Many moons ago, before life got strange and complicated, I used to do a Five For Friday blog spotlight on Etsy sellers who just happened to be at the right place at the right time. That place being the Promotions Forum on Etsy and the right time being quick enough to just say "ME ME ME!" and be the first five.
I decided to resume the tradition ( and while I can't say it will happen every Friday it will happen at least once a month) and bring to you todays lucky 5, let's give them all Hive Fives for all their hard work. Handmaking is a labor of love:



Kneatknit Creations Kneatknit knits all kinds of lovely scarves and hats and I was particularly drawn to this "short" scarf- such a pretty green! It's an acrylic and wool blend and looks super warm for the upcoming winter ahead. Kneatknit will be running a Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale so go make your list and catch a deal!



Hampshire Rose You know darn well what is right around the corner, you've probably even stopped eating just so you can prepare for it. THANKSGIVING! Luckily for you all your fun photos and memories can be preserved in one of Hampshire Roses little mini albums! Each page looks so fun to turn and there are many themes to choose from so get snappin'!



Elephant Trunk Studio I am loving this print over at Elephant Trunk Studio! There is also a smaller mini version but wouldn't this look lovely framed on your wall? Love the "wrinkly" technique that went into this, lots of elephants over here-stomp on over!



GreenGabby is a new store and I really favor these unique holiday cards! Lovely design (you all know I heart Nature) and simple, not your average square card! These come with envelopes and are really striking, there are also snowflakes and other styles so go peep them out!

Our last Hive Five goes out to
GetReadySetGO.
Can you believe I only got FOUR takers for free promotion yesterday? GetReadySetGO just happened to put me in a Treasury last night as I was waiting for my fifth taker- and that dear sirs and madams is the stuff rewards are made of!
I chose this lovely case out of her collection of beautiful vintage hand embellished luggage and cases because- I have one just like it! Only it's not just like it really- it doesn't have that really cool black feather design and is rather beat up and dusty. These are wonderful for your cosmetics and have a gigantic mirror so you can get gussied up on the go. Check out her fab collection now!
Big HIVE FIVES to all the makers out there, you make the world a more wonderful place!

Taking time to smell the leaves

The leaves have turned some amazing shades of yellow, orange and red and today I get to step out and enjoy the foliage. Sort of. I'll be en route to gather more supplies but will take time to smell the roses....er, leaves.
I'm going box hunting! Need some boxes for some commissions and I'd like to stock the store with a particular favorite- Tea Boxes.
I'm also out of felt and want to glance at holiday stamps. Slightly addicted to making Christmas cards right now shall we say?
While I'm out and about I suppose I'll stop at Paciugo and treat myself for all my hard work. The Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel I had a sample of has been singing it's siren song to me for weeks. I will just get the smallest size, Thanksgiving is coming up and I don't need any more extra calories if I can help it.
Yesterday I did some more cards (sequin and swarovski card pictured above - now in the etsy shop ) and primered some commission boxes. Had a couple of friends tell me they would be taking me up on my CREATIVE CHALLENGE so I can't wait to see what they come up with. Slowly but surely the Etsy store is being stocked for the BLACK FRIDAY-CYBER MONDAY SALE. I'll talk more about that soon.
Until then, happy creating and keep it kind!

Have paintbrush will travel

Keeping your eyes open for opportunity is a great way to not be on the far side of the house when Opportunity comes a-knockin'. Woke up to find that I've secured a gig for next Saturday...painting! I'll get a nice days pay for a few hours of painting work and I get to get out of the house and hang out at the mall. I never go to the mall. Maybe once a year. Will have to fight the temptation to go into Bath and Bodyworks and spend all my pay.
Thank you for listening Universe and please keep it coming!

Spent yesterday finishing the Mondrian record and completing a Chinese folk paper cut design record. Read a TON about marketing, what I need to do to sell for the holidays and how to take better photos. I am experimenting with these settings I never knew I had on my camera and practicing "styling" the photo. Here is my simple attempt at staging with my Mondrian record

Staging makes the photo a little more interesting and creative. It will draw the viewer in for a better look. Need tons of practice with this but will have plenty of opportunity to practice.
Today I'm working on Christmas cards and gift tags. Found some wonderful paper in my stash of remnants I can't wait to start on. Crafty weekend for me! Look for me at the mall next weekend, I'll have more details on where I'll be this week. Until then- have a great weekend!