Happy First Day of Summer!

Is this day the reason for my sudden increase in productivity and energy? Perhaps it has to do with today's apartment inspection which is now complete. Maybe it is because a childhood friend of mine will be visiting. Or is the increase because of the work I've been doing on my sister-in-law's new house? I'm not sure, but I'd like to figure out the cause so that I may call on it for future use!

This weekend I did some work in my craft room/office. I cleaned up the sculpture stuff, causing great bodily injury to myself, and set up the sewing machine. I pulled the table out from the wall to accommodate large swaths of fabric while I attempt to make my own curtains.

Wish me luck, continued productivity, and no more wounds!

Keep Crafty!

'Tis the Season

This is MY season! I love the warm weather! Nothing gets me so motivated or energized as a beautiful day, bright sun or a warm breeze! Even a five pump white chocolate mocha from the Bux can't invigorate me so!

So, what to do with this energy? Have I created any new Penguins or dragons? No. I have so many on hand that I'd rather clear that inventory than make new pieces.

My newest "craft" would be my patio. My husband and I have started a tiny edible garden. Since we are limited to container gardening, and this is our first attempt, we are starting small.

We have wonderful resources at our disposal. Both sets of my parent-in-laws have bountiful gardens and limitless knowledge. We also have the Moss Street Market on Saturdays which is but a mile away. It is filled with helpful and kind folk who help us with our selections and plantings.

So far we have started with starter plants and from seed. We have carrots and tatsoi from seeds, a lettuce variety, tomato plant and basil from starter plants and, to take care of the entire family, we also have some cat grass for the kids.

The lettuce variety should be ready to harvest in a week or so. The basil is ready as soon as it has leaves. The tomato plant won't be ready until the end of Spring or mid-Summer. I have a fantasy of making my own tomato sauce from my own garden this summer!

I will add some photos to this post shortly.

I hope to sell some of my art at the Moss Street Market this season. I just have a few commitments to clear until then.

So, about that weekly post...

Again, road to hell and good intentions...

I've not created anything new since my last post. Any reason? No. With no deadlines or orders I just have no motivation to create any new pieces. I have over twenty little buddies hanging around. All they do is eat out of my fridge and watch tv. Until they find homes, I just can't justify making anymore.

As far as putting myself out there and getting into stores, well, I prefer selling it myself. I am a natural salesperson and enjoy interacting with customers which I can do at fares and shows, but not in shops.

The stress of moving to another country and not being able to see my family has not added to my creativity. It has taxed me in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Hold tight, though, when I come back I'll be a star again. BSTL!

Introducing...

A new group of penguins!

Cylcops Penuin!

Cody holds a seashell

Bobby Blue Scarf Penguin

Schnik: More than just penguins!

Although my penguins are my more popular item, I have been making dragons for over a year now. The dragons are much more work since their wings and faces have to be carefully sculpted, while my penguins have a flat face.

I use precious and semi-precious stones in my dragons. They are meant to be worn as pendants and can not stand alone like the penguins can.

This week I plan to start working on my Etsy shop. I feel that my photos have improved and are ready for prime time.

Today I got my first custom order! I am looking forward to creating a new friend!

Here are some photos of my dragons. As always, feedback is appreciated!

Perhaps weekly?

To write an entry every day would be the sign of a truly motivated and inspired person.

I hope to write once weekly.

Currently I am working on Valentine's Day cards for my friends and family. There are some cheap cards on the market, but I have more time and extra scrap-book supply than money and I would rather receive an authentic card from someone than a one of one million card... unless it has a cute kitten, mouse, princess, joke or design...

Making the cards will also help me thin out my craft supplies which is always a plus!

Pictures soon!

Cheers!

Sometimes it takes a tragedy

Haiti has been in crisis long before this horrible earthquake hit.

I know it may not seem like much, but if you go to the website haiti.usembassy.gov you will see that you can text "Haiti" to 90999 and ten dollars will be added to your cellphone bill and donated to crisis relief.

If you have the fortune to be surfing the web, then surely you have the fortune to donate ten dollars.

Again, text "Haiti" to 90999 and ten dollars will be added to your cellphone bill and donated to crisis relief.

Projects, Projects and More Projects!

Something I have always struggled with is photographing my pieces. I never took advantage of the wonderful photography classes offered in my high school so I know nothing about it! I'm good with staging, holding the camera straight and not holding my finger in front of the lens but lighting and focus can be a bit rough!


I gather most of my knowledge about picture taking from the internets and TV shows. Many resources talk about a light box for taking pictures of the items you want to show off and sell. Using some spare cardboard I managed to construct my own mini light box. I don't have a tripod yet, so, with a steady hand I am taking photos today. Let's see how they turn out!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!

I have been spending time with some online software and my photos. I will keep working on the photos and the editing before I even consider an Etsy shop!

Holiday Energy

Morning energy is wonderful and rare! I came up with 30 new penguin designs on paper. We'll see how many come into being! I am drawing inspiration from pop culture and literature. I would like to create a line of zodiac penguins and a line based on Broadway. I have little interest in astrology, but I will always be a Broadway Baby in my heart!

"Come and meet those dancing feet, on the avenue I'm taking you to 42nd street!"

Keep Crafty!