New Christmas Ornaments

With just a little over 6 weeks until Christmas, I've been working on getting all my holiday items in my shop. Recently I've added several new Christmas ornaments.

This fishing lure did so well for Father's Day that I thought it would make a great addition as an ornament as well.

And this year I went with a service theme for the rest of the ornaments. Currently listed in the shop are Police, Fire Dept. and EMT. Each ornament can be personalized with any wording on the back.

 

And soon to come are military ornaments in Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.

Christmas Deadlines

Can you believe Christmas is less than 8 weeks away! It just doesn't seem possible.

I know Halloween just got over and Thanksgiving isn't even here yet, but it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas gifting, especially if you plan to order personalized items.

Christmas Deadline for Handwritten Recipe Cutting Boards is December 1st.

And Christmas Deadline for all other personalized items will be December 10th.

Please plan ahead if you would like to order personalized items for your loved ones this year :)

October

I think I say this every month, but how can it already be November! Luckily our weather has stayed gorgeous, so it makes it really hard to believe that winter is almost here! October was a crazy, busy month and things are only going to get busier around here.

I had three craft shows in October, so much of the month was spent prepping for and attending said shows. My first two shows were awesome! I hit a personal best at my first show and did even better at my second show. So the month started out great. My last show left much to be desired. There wasn't the usual advertising, there was construction in the area and it was a pretty sad day for most of the vendors. I'm glad my first shows went so well, but it was a sad way to end my show season for the year.

I introduced some new pieces at this last show. I was happy with the display and will hopefully be adding a few of these to my Etsy shop as well.

The entire month wasn't spent just working though. My mom and I were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather a couple of times. We attended a craft show at a local winery on my weekend off from shows. It was nice to be on the shopping side of the table...and getting to enjoy wine while we shopped :)

We also attended a wine/craft night at a local boutique with Jesse's mom. We made a string art design that looks like a feather or a leaf depending on how you designed it. I went with my standard pink and teal...of course.

Now it's time to get ready for the crazy holiday rush. I've been stocking up on supplies and hopefully have everything in order.

How was your October?

First Fall Show 2016

I'm happy to report that my first fall show for this year was a great success! And, as always, I learned that you can't outguess your customers!

 

My metal tumblers and cozies did really, really well. In fact, I ran out of one design on Saturday and had to come home to get more made to bring for Sunday!

I was a little disappointed that my new painted signs didn't sell as well as I had hoped. I thought these would be a really popular item. But in the end, I only sold a few. I did sell quite a few of the bottle opener signs, so that was nice. I'm hoping they do well at my other shows.

I sold a nice mix of other items as well. I really think it helps me to have a variety of items without looking like a hodge podge. The items tie well together, but I have something for everyone.

My next show is this coming Saturday, so I'm stocking back up to prepare!

Creating Up A Storm

My first fall craft show is taking place this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. So I've been creating up a storm so I'll have new merchandise for shoppers. And with the holidays just around the corner, I've been stocking my "Etsy shelves" as well.

Yeti tumblers and cozies are all the rage right now. And the knock-off brands are just as great as the expensive models. I've been using the Ozark Trail brand and have personally tested both items and LOVE them! I have several designs already in my shop and will be taking premade versions to shows with me. And as always, I can take custom orders on these as well.

The cozies are just as great. For someone like me who takes their sweet time drinking a beverage from a can, it's nice to have the last drink just as cold as the first!

 

Lazy Susans are another item I've recently added to my shop. I made this first design for some friends of ours that got married. And decided to make some others with fun designs. I'll be debuting these this weekend as well.

I've really been having a lot of fun with these new signs. Paint isn't usually something I enjoy working with since it can be a mess and I usually spray paint things, so I have to rely on the weather. These new upcycled signs are made from hardwood flooring. And I used acrylic paints, so the cleanup is no trouble at all!

I haven't decided if I'll be adding these to my Etsy shop or just taking them to shows. For now, I have a limited supply of flooring, so I hate to add them to my shop if I don't get more flooring. And each piece is different in length, color, etc. so I'd have to photograph each sign. (I usually like items where I can photograph once and keep relisting.) I'll see how well they go over at my fall shows and may start adding them in November. What do you think?

What have you been working on lately?

The Weekend

Over the weekend, we had a huge birthday celebration for Jesse, his dad and his grandpa. This year, they are all turning (or have turned) 40, 60 and 80, respectively. Quite a reason to have a party! We had so many family and friends show up; it was a great time!

 

Then on Sunday I got to take Jesse's cousin from Colorado to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Last year when I went, the new African Grasslands exhibit was under construction. And we were there at the end of the day, so some of the buildings were closed. It was so great seeing all the new animals and I got to go in the Butterfly Pavilion this time as well! I couldn't believe how tame these hummingbirds were!

We were on a bit of a time crunch, so didn't get many photos, but the Aquarium is always a favorite stop. I love all the bright fish and especially the jellyfish.

This coming weekend I get to go wedding dress shopping with my sister-in-law and all of the girls involved in the wedding. I'm cramming in as much fun as I can before the craziness of fall shows and the holidays get here!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Etsy Treasury - Pantone Fall 2016

With fall just mere days away, I thought we could all use some inspiration from Pantone's Fall 2016 line. Enjoy these finds!

Pantone Fall 2016

Take a peek at the great colors for fall from Pantone! Special features from the Blogging Business Artisans https://www.etsy.com/teams/10615/blogging-business-artisans

Leaf Patterned Earrings with Carnelian AntiquityTravelers $25.00	Blue Button Charm Bracelet / Light Turquoise Navy Dark Blue Jewelry / Simple Fun Piece by randomcreative on Etsy randomcreative $23.00	Gray Loose Knit Slouchy Sweater Hand Knit Sweater Women Knit Top Oversized Grunge Sweater MyAqua $55.90	Autumn Russet Flower Earrings w Copper Swarovski Crystals MagdaleneJewels $28.00
Kitty Cat Wood Silhouette and Fern Green and Gold Swarovski Crystal Niobium Earrings BeadedTail $18.00	Crocheted Scarf Cafe au Lait Turkish Yarn w Copper Threading MagdaleneKnits $32.00	Set of Two Shabby Chic Flower and Big Dot Premium Cotton Dish Towels Dish Cloth Kitchen Towel Rose Floral Pink White Blue Cotton Tea Towels DuniStudio $25.00	Sun & Moon Oil Bag Carrying Case Cotton Celestial Print Cotton Padded Zipper Wide Essential Oil Travel Bag MermaidsWhispers $26.50
Dark Green Scarf, Oversized Scarf, Long Scarf, Fall Scarf, Emerald Green Scarf, Chunky Scarf, Winter Scarf, Wrap, Shawl, Jersey Scarf JannysGirl $32.00	The Charlotte- Brown and Gold Glass Necklace DanaLeBlancDesigns $54.40	Password Book, Password Organizer, Password Journal, Password Notebook, Internet Password Book, Passwork Keeper, Mini, Yellow MisterPenQuin $20.00	Natural Orchid Flower Brooch, Gold Trimmed Spicy Mustard Pin Pendant, Real Flower Jewelry, Preserved Island Sunset Orange Yellow Blossom CobblestonesVintage $39.95
NEW Fall 2016 PANTONE Color Ombre Warm Taupe and Dusty Cedar Tote Bag, Fall Fashion, Style, Fall Colors, F/W 2016, Fall/Winter 2016 AURAbyMJ $30.00	Spicy Mustard Wedding Shawl, Mustard Yellow Chiffon Scarf, Sheer Stole, Mustard Bridal Shawl, Bridesmaids Gift, Evening Shoulder Wrap RosaShawls $22.99	Red Coral Earrings Sterling Silver Grade AA Natural Stone Coral Drop Gemstone Earrings Aurora Red Earrings Medium Red Coral Gift for Her MsBsDesigns $34.00	Wound Hemp Tube Beads - Medium Blue (100) whitefoxbeads $8.00

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Wordless Wednesday - End of Summer Sunset

Gladys in her First Parade!

Each year my hometown has a huge parade for Labor Day. I haven't been in the parade since I was a little kid and my grandparents wanted me to show off Gladys, so I agreed to drive her in the parade...and convinced my dad to ride with me :) I just got the interior finished up Saturday morning before the parade, so she is all done!!

There is also a small car show on main street before the parade. My mom thought it would be neat to have a little sign showing that Gladys is a 4th generation car. Of course I can't just print a little sign...I had to add my own touch :) 

I was a little nervous driving in the parade with all the people and especially little kids around chasing candy! But having my dad along really helped! And my mom even got a video. Isn't Gladys pretty!!

Product Photography - Inside or Outside??

Up until now, I've always taken my photos with a white background. I think it helps the photos pop. But I don't always think it captures the true colors of the wood. I've been experimenting with outdoor photos and was hoping to get some feedback.

 

I like that the outdoor photos give the wood a more natural look and feel. But I'm not sure I like the shadows. Do they bother you? Do you even notice them? I know I won't be able to take my photos at the ideal time, so shadows will always be part of them.

Is the white background less distracting? Or boring?

Do you take your photos inside or outside...and why?

I'd love any feedback on these photos you would like to provide. Thanks!

Wordless Wednesday - Just Hangin' Out