April was great for me, sales picked up, I had a few customers purchase multiple things. The last week of April, I headed to Black Lake, Michigan to an Occupational Health & Safety Conference for members of the United Auto Workers.
How do I fit into that, you ask? Well, dearies, the UAW also covers administrative positions, including those at the Museum I work in.
The experience was INCREDIBLE, the people were phenomenal, the location was gorgeous, we couldn't have asked for better weather. The architecture was outstanding, and the classes and lectures were most educational. I am now certified in CPR and can do Office Inspections. Look out, workplace! I may be lighting a fire under your butt very soon!
I had no time to make anything. I made half of a sleeve of a baby cardigan. And I drew a terrible drawing of the creek behind one of the houses.
On Thursday, I met a guy who was awesome. Someone I'd been wanting to meet all week. We slow danced a dance and talked for like 20 mins and that was that. Exchanged contact info, talked every night for 2 weeks, even talked of plans of him coming to visit me. Then an old flame decided she wanted him back and that was that. I haven't really heard from him since.
It's been a struggle since getting back from Black Lake to make anything, first because I was really just way too excited to talk to this guy every night when I got home from work, and now because I just feel like hiding under my blankets in bed. I cannot believe the rollercoaster of emotions over the last 3 weeks. It's like an emotional relapse. I'm usually much more centered than all of this.
I made a baby dress and bloomers, I'm waiting for the snaps to arrive in the mail so I can list it. That's all I've done since coming back on the 25th of April.
Tonight, I am working on a tote bag for my mom. I've never made a tote bag before, so this should be interesting, since Mother's Day is tomorrow and I was asked to work today and tomorrow at work so my coworker can visit his sick grandma. Normally I'd have today off to work out a pattern.
If it looks good, I will post photos. =)
<3 Always,
--Taina
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Allergy Monsters are here!
I suffer from terrible seasonal allergies. Especially in Spring and Fall. I have found that I am searching high and low for tissues in my huge purse on the subway while sniffling. I sniffled all the way through my last union meeting on Monday because I forgot my tissues in my bag!
When I was a child, I was friends with this boy named Caed. He was super cute but allergic to EVERYTHING. I remember he always had kleenex on hand. A good friend to have when you also are allergic to all things dusty, furry and pollen-y!
I've been wanting to come up with a new product that is great for adults who aren't afraid of being silly as well as for kids.
I just listed my first Allergy Monster yesterday! It's a kleenex case that you won't lose, you just place your tissues inside and the allergy monster will help you ward off the awkward sniffles. Also a conversational piece.
It came from my desire to either give away my fabric paints or find something to use for, as I haven't used them in a year and am still Spring cleaning.
I thought about how I could really use a tissue pouch, and remembered I have about 4 yards of thick linen. Then came the fabric paints, a little iron setting, and my first Allergy Monster was born! I'm thinking about naming them different names. Anyone have any thoughts? I'd love to hear them!
<3 Always,
--Taina
**OH MY GOODNESS! I sold the item hours after I listed it! I will have to list my others soon!
When I was a child, I was friends with this boy named Caed. He was super cute but allergic to EVERYTHING. I remember he always had kleenex on hand. A good friend to have when you also are allergic to all things dusty, furry and pollen-y!
I've been wanting to come up with a new product that is great for adults who aren't afraid of being silly as well as for kids.
I just listed my first Allergy Monster yesterday! It's a kleenex case that you won't lose, you just place your tissues inside and the allergy monster will help you ward off the awkward sniffles. Also a conversational piece.
It came from my desire to either give away my fabric paints or find something to use for, as I haven't used them in a year and am still Spring cleaning.
I thought about how I could really use a tissue pouch, and remembered I have about 4 yards of thick linen. Then came the fabric paints, a little iron setting, and my first Allergy Monster was born! I'm thinking about naming them different names. Anyone have any thoughts? I'd love to hear them!
<3 Always,
--Taina
**OH MY GOODNESS! I sold the item hours after I listed it! I will have to list my others soon!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
An etsy shop review...
It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood, so this entry will be short, as I want to go out and enjoy the sun with my friend Olivia.
I think I mentioned in my last post that I'd ordered some cards from Creative Apples to send to my etsy penpal. Creative Apples sells note cards with her gorgeous photography on them as well as the photos in other sizes.
The image colors in her robot cards are probably best described as reminiscent, the angles that the photos are taken at remind me of how a child would see the image. They're slightly quirky and quite crisp images.
And of course, the cupcake card I purchased? Made me lick my lips, seriously. It was Cupcake Week on the Martha show this past week, so this card came just in time. Again, the composition and colors are incredible. A perfect birthday or celebratory card!
The package of my two cards was so beautifully presented when I opened the padded envelope, the cards were tied together with a gorgeous Spring-time ribbon, and another of Creative Apples' cards was enclosed as a thank you note, totally personalized. The cards were shipped immediately, with much care. It will be hard to part with these two, I will definitely be back to the shop for more.
I think one of the things that draws me to purchase as much on Etsy as possible is the connection to the creator. I like the handwritten 'thank you' notes, the care towards the packaging, the messages when items are shipped. It's just an awesome experience every time. Very personal, and I LOVE receiving things other than bills in the mail.
I sold a handknit bonnet I made last week, my first item going to Korea! I keep meaning to print out a small world map so I can pin each country and state I've shipped to. Among those countries are: Canada, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Australia, China, Thailand and New Zealand. And now Korea!
(Click photos for more info)
Above is my first April item that I've posted, I think I am especially drawn to the fabric because the grey reflects those terribly rainy days of early Spring, and the blue flowers and birds are of things to look forward to.
As always, you can click the images for more info!
Happy Saturday, folks! And check my shop next week, as I am adding some very new items to my store! More on that later!
<3 Always,
--Taina
I think I mentioned in my last post that I'd ordered some cards from Creative Apples to send to my etsy penpal. Creative Apples sells note cards with her gorgeous photography on them as well as the photos in other sizes.
The image colors in her robot cards are probably best described as reminiscent, the angles that the photos are taken at remind me of how a child would see the image. They're slightly quirky and quite crisp images.
And of course, the cupcake card I purchased? Made me lick my lips, seriously. It was Cupcake Week on the Martha show this past week, so this card came just in time. Again, the composition and colors are incredible. A perfect birthday or celebratory card!
The package of my two cards was so beautifully presented when I opened the padded envelope, the cards were tied together with a gorgeous Spring-time ribbon, and another of Creative Apples' cards was enclosed as a thank you note, totally personalized. The cards were shipped immediately, with much care. It will be hard to part with these two, I will definitely be back to the shop for more.
I think one of the things that draws me to purchase as much on Etsy as possible is the connection to the creator. I like the handwritten 'thank you' notes, the care towards the packaging, the messages when items are shipped. It's just an awesome experience every time. Very personal, and I LOVE receiving things other than bills in the mail.
I sold a handknit bonnet I made last week, my first item going to Korea! I keep meaning to print out a small world map so I can pin each country and state I've shipped to. Among those countries are: Canada, England, Scotland, France, Spain, Australia, China, Thailand and New Zealand. And now Korea!
(Click photos for more info)
Above is my first April item that I've posted, I think I am especially drawn to the fabric because the grey reflects those terribly rainy days of early Spring, and the blue flowers and birds are of things to look forward to.
As always, you can click the images for more info!
Happy Saturday, folks! And check my shop next week, as I am adding some very new items to my store! More on that later!
<3 Always,
--Taina
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Inch by Inch, Row by Row...
A month and a half ago, I posted photos of what I was hoping would be my little kitchen-window garden? Well, most if it is still just dirt.
I have managed to somehow grow and kill 8 tiny 1/2" oregano plants and four 2" cherry tomato seedlings. Only two basil seeds sprouted out of the packet I planted, but neither have died...yet! I have one little tomato plant that seems to be trying it's hardest to stay alive. I may have to suck it up and go out and actually buy seedlings instead of trying to do this from seeds.
(the red arrow is pointing at the one lonely cherry tomato seedling.)
I wonder if my community garden leader reads my blog. I've been waiting for my replacement key for 8 days now and it still hasn't come. I'm in the mood for some composting action! I wonder if it's because she knows I have a brown thumb when it comes to herb growing and is very afraid. lol.
My potted dafodils? Still alive and kicking, as are my bamboo plants, aloe plant, calanchoes. Herbs just don't like me!
Also, I seem to be stuck on 220 sales. I was hoping to hit 225 by the end of March, but that's a mere two days away. We shall see. I plan on coming home after work today and sewing a ton. Migraines and a pulled back muscle set me back quite a bit this past week. We shall see! I'd love to have 65 items in my shop by April 1st.
Below is my 60th item, I listed it yesterday. I love it because both sides are similar but different color schemes. If you click the photos you will see the listing and note that the bottom of each fabric actually matches up!
(click photos for more info!)
In other (exciting!) news? Operation Dreamseed found me! On Friday I was contacted by one of the people on the Board, asking if it was okay to send my shop's link out to her friends, and yesterday the Exec. Director contacted me asking the same thing. I wrote both of them back saying I'd love to extend my donations through the month of April, since March is almost over if they want to spread the word.
Apparently the Exec. Director found me through this blog! Hooray! I should e-mail my marketing instructor to let her know. It would be awesome if I could sell a few more things and make a larger donation to Operation Dreamseed. I love the idea of purchasing school supplies and sending them out myself, but I think the money would go further if the organization purchased the supplies, since they are tax exempt.
<3 Always,
--Taina
I have managed to somehow grow and kill 8 tiny 1/2" oregano plants and four 2" cherry tomato seedlings. Only two basil seeds sprouted out of the packet I planted, but neither have died...yet! I have one little tomato plant that seems to be trying it's hardest to stay alive. I may have to suck it up and go out and actually buy seedlings instead of trying to do this from seeds.
(the red arrow is pointing at the one lonely cherry tomato seedling.)
I wonder if my community garden leader reads my blog. I've been waiting for my replacement key for 8 days now and it still hasn't come. I'm in the mood for some composting action! I wonder if it's because she knows I have a brown thumb when it comes to herb growing and is very afraid. lol.
My potted dafodils? Still alive and kicking, as are my bamboo plants, aloe plant, calanchoes. Herbs just don't like me!
Also, I seem to be stuck on 220 sales. I was hoping to hit 225 by the end of March, but that's a mere two days away. We shall see. I plan on coming home after work today and sewing a ton. Migraines and a pulled back muscle set me back quite a bit this past week. We shall see! I'd love to have 65 items in my shop by April 1st.
Below is my 60th item, I listed it yesterday. I love it because both sides are similar but different color schemes. If you click the photos you will see the listing and note that the bottom of each fabric actually matches up!
(click photos for more info!)
In other (exciting!) news? Operation Dreamseed found me! On Friday I was contacted by one of the people on the Board, asking if it was okay to send my shop's link out to her friends, and yesterday the Exec. Director contacted me asking the same thing. I wrote both of them back saying I'd love to extend my donations through the month of April, since March is almost over if they want to spread the word.
Apparently the Exec. Director found me through this blog! Hooray! I should e-mail my marketing instructor to let her know. It would be awesome if I could sell a few more things and make a larger donation to Operation Dreamseed. I love the idea of purchasing school supplies and sending them out myself, but I think the money would go further if the organization purchased the supplies, since they are tax exempt.
<3 Always,
--Taina
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour!
So today Earth Hour is happening. If you haven't heard about it, please go to:
www.earthhour.org
From 8-9pm today (Saturday), your local time, it is asked that you unplug all electronic equipment and turn off all lights. Just for one hour! Sydney, Australia just went dark for Earth Hour!
So I'm trying to figure out what I can do that is etsy-related that doesn't involve electricity. I think I will knit by candlelight. I also want to work on a new profile for my shop. If I still have more time? I will go through some of my craft books for inspiration.
I'm totally stoked! World Wildlife Fund just sent me an e-mail of 10 things you can do during Earth Hour, I thought I'd share:
1. Host a Green Party
Get your friends together for an Earth Hour eco-party. Fire up the flashlights and battery lanterns, serve organic food, avoid the disposable utensils, use natural décor (like flowers and hanging plants) and have a friend provide acoustic music. Talk to your guests about how you're each reducing your environmental footprint and share ideas and solutions for saving more energy, money and carbon dioxide.
2. Give Yourself an Energy Makeover
Use Earth Hour to make your home more energy efficient: Replace your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; install power strips (so you can turn computers and electronics on and off more easily); and change your air conditioner filters. Or go one step farther and install one new energy-efficient item, like an EnergyStar qualified DVD player. And on Monday, call your local utility and sign up for green power-like wind, hydro or solar.
3. Go Green with Your Kids
Earth Hour is a perfect time to talk to your kids about the environment and why we need to protect our planet from the dangers of climate change. Check out books on the environment from the library and read by flashlight, or head into the yard and have a night picnic. Or how about a night of board games? Check out our downloadable Earth Hour kids' activities.
4. Do a Recyclables Scavenger Hunt
Get your flashlights and scour your cabinets and shelves for cans, bottles and cardboard (like cereal boxes) that you don't normally recycle. Make a list of all the non-recyclable containers you're using now (like plastic shopping bags and butter tubs), and figure out ways to reduce your consumption of items that end up in landfills. One easy tip: get reusable grocery bags... and reuse them!
5. Green That Workspace!
Working the night shift? Even if you can't turn off all the lights at work, look around and see what you can unplug, turn down or use less of (like consuming less paper by printing double-sided). Every day millions of computer screens and speakers are left on overnight--shut 'em off! And talk to your coworkers about what they can do to help make a difference, too.
6. Involve Your Local Leaders
If your city or town isn't hosting an Earth Hour event, ask your local government to set up a community "green" discussion this spring. Help organize attendance by reaching out to local environmental and community groups, and come prepared to ask your leaders what they're doing to make your city greener.
7. Clean Up Your Neighborhood
Grab a flashlight and take a long walk through your neighborhood, picking up trash and recyclables as you go. It's a great chance to do some stargazing, too!
8. Unplug and Chill Out
Most of our daily activities--like watching TV, shopping online and texting friends--require loads of electricity, but do we really need to do so much stuff all the time? Take one hour for yourself to just chill... turn off the screens, put down the handheld devices and just take some "you" time to reflect, read or talk to your family. After all, why do more when you can do less?
9. Take Your Temperature
Your thermostat and your refrigerator are responsible for a huge portion of your carbon footprint. If you lower your thermostat by just 2 degrees and set your fridge to 37 degrees F. and the freezer at 0 degrees F., you'll make a big difference.
10. Make a Pledge for the Planet
Earth Hour shouldn't end at 9:01 pm--it's a chance to take a first step toward lowering your overall impact on the environment. So use part of that hour to make a personal pledge to do more--recycle, drive less often, turn off or unplug electronics, and beyond. The only way we're going to stabilize our climate is if we make real changes in our everyday lives. That change begins with Earth Hour, and ends with a healthy planet.
Of course, there are more than 10 ways to make a difference. Visit WWF's website for additional ideas on things you can do every day to help the Earth and reduce your environmental footprint.
Here's to being more environmentally conscious!
<3 Always,
--Taina
www.earthhour.org
From 8-9pm today (Saturday), your local time, it is asked that you unplug all electronic equipment and turn off all lights. Just for one hour! Sydney, Australia just went dark for Earth Hour!
So I'm trying to figure out what I can do that is etsy-related that doesn't involve electricity. I think I will knit by candlelight. I also want to work on a new profile for my shop. If I still have more time? I will go through some of my craft books for inspiration.
I'm totally stoked! World Wildlife Fund just sent me an e-mail of 10 things you can do during Earth Hour, I thought I'd share:
1. Host a Green Party
Get your friends together for an Earth Hour eco-party. Fire up the flashlights and battery lanterns, serve organic food, avoid the disposable utensils, use natural décor (like flowers and hanging plants) and have a friend provide acoustic music. Talk to your guests about how you're each reducing your environmental footprint and share ideas and solutions for saving more energy, money and carbon dioxide.
2. Give Yourself an Energy Makeover
Use Earth Hour to make your home more energy efficient: Replace your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; install power strips (so you can turn computers and electronics on and off more easily); and change your air conditioner filters. Or go one step farther and install one new energy-efficient item, like an EnergyStar qualified DVD player. And on Monday, call your local utility and sign up for green power-like wind, hydro or solar.
3. Go Green with Your Kids
Earth Hour is a perfect time to talk to your kids about the environment and why we need to protect our planet from the dangers of climate change. Check out books on the environment from the library and read by flashlight, or head into the yard and have a night picnic. Or how about a night of board games? Check out our downloadable Earth Hour kids' activities.
4. Do a Recyclables Scavenger Hunt
Get your flashlights and scour your cabinets and shelves for cans, bottles and cardboard (like cereal boxes) that you don't normally recycle. Make a list of all the non-recyclable containers you're using now (like plastic shopping bags and butter tubs), and figure out ways to reduce your consumption of items that end up in landfills. One easy tip: get reusable grocery bags... and reuse them!
5. Green That Workspace!
Working the night shift? Even if you can't turn off all the lights at work, look around and see what you can unplug, turn down or use less of (like consuming less paper by printing double-sided). Every day millions of computer screens and speakers are left on overnight--shut 'em off! And talk to your coworkers about what they can do to help make a difference, too.
6. Involve Your Local Leaders
If your city or town isn't hosting an Earth Hour event, ask your local government to set up a community "green" discussion this spring. Help organize attendance by reaching out to local environmental and community groups, and come prepared to ask your leaders what they're doing to make your city greener.
7. Clean Up Your Neighborhood
Grab a flashlight and take a long walk through your neighborhood, picking up trash and recyclables as you go. It's a great chance to do some stargazing, too!
8. Unplug and Chill Out
Most of our daily activities--like watching TV, shopping online and texting friends--require loads of electricity, but do we really need to do so much stuff all the time? Take one hour for yourself to just chill... turn off the screens, put down the handheld devices and just take some "you" time to reflect, read or talk to your family. After all, why do more when you can do less?
9. Take Your Temperature
Your thermostat and your refrigerator are responsible for a huge portion of your carbon footprint. If you lower your thermostat by just 2 degrees and set your fridge to 37 degrees F. and the freezer at 0 degrees F., you'll make a big difference.
10. Make a Pledge for the Planet
Earth Hour shouldn't end at 9:01 pm--it's a chance to take a first step toward lowering your overall impact on the environment. So use part of that hour to make a personal pledge to do more--recycle, drive less often, turn off or unplug electronics, and beyond. The only way we're going to stabilize our climate is if we make real changes in our everyday lives. That change begins with Earth Hour, and ends with a healthy planet.
Of course, there are more than 10 ways to make a difference. Visit WWF's website for additional ideas on things you can do every day to help the Earth and reduce your environmental footprint.
Here's to being more environmentally conscious!
<3 Always,
--Taina
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