Laughable!

Oh goodness.  This week's attempt at something new was, umm, less than pretty.  I actually tried 2 new things, but I can only post about one, as the other will eventually be a gift.  Shhhhh! 

So.  The one I can talk about.  Here's the thing.  I've been wanting to give the whole metal stamping thing a try for a LONG time.  I have gradually been buying the tools and supplies, but I have put off actually giving it a go.  I'm a chicken.  What can I say?  Do you want the good news or the bad news first?  Let's go with bad.

I know.  Not pretty.  At all.  Pretty laughable, right?  Now, just for the fun of it, let's examine them one by one.  Let's start with my first one.

This was SUPPOSED to be for Isabel.  It was going to be her initials.  Started with the I.  It went rather well, I think.  Then came the R.  Again, not too bad.  THEN came the B.  The letter B did NOT cooperate with me.  I got the top half, but not the whole thing.  What the deuce?  So I figured, since it has already NOT turned out as it was supposed to, that I may as well keep trying on this piece instead of ruining another one.  So I tried another B.  And another.  And another.  It wasn't until Bs #6 (a little too light) and #7 that I got something that actually LOOKED like a real, honest to goodness letter B.  *sigh*

Valentine's Day is coming you know... so I HAD to try out an "I Love You"  I was almost going to do "I Love U" but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.  Other than being a little wonky, it's readable.  Not something I would sell by any means, but a good second try, I thought. 

But since it really wasn't something I was thrilled with, I decided to simplify on the third one.

Not particularly centered, but by far the best of the three, wouldn't you agree?  Still probably wouldn't sell it, but I like to witness my own progress. =)

I'm thinking I may have to shop around for different stamps. The letters are so thin, that I'm not sure I like them.  But they are what I have for now, so I will use them.  I DEFINITELY need more practice.  Any word suggestions?

I hope I gave you all a good chuckle with these first attempts.  I know I giggled a few times myself.  =D  The GOOD news with this whole experience is that it was actually really FUN to do.  I can see how people become addicted to this sort of thing. 

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to pass my blog on to anyone you know!  I'm super fantastic you know, so I'm sure everyone you know will wonder how on earth they survived without reading my randomness. 

My First Paycheck

Honestly, I don't really know how long I have been making jewelry and everything else.  I THINK it's been between 4 and 5 years, which is totally absurd in my book.  I cannot believe it has been that long.  But here's the thing.  I have never paid myself.  I HAVE traded for things, like portraits and iron-ons (Hi Jessica!) but I have never given myself permission to spend something on myself.  So I decided it was time to change that. =D

I have been keeping my eye on a pair of boots (cowboy, not trendy fashionable ones... not sure I could pull that look off)  I set myself some guidelines for when I would let myself get them.  And, by golly, when everything was squared away as I wanted, with the proper balance in my checking account, I sure did go buy them.  They are my new pride and joy.  They're nothing special.  Very plain.  Just as I wanted.  

Now I just need some longer pants...

And remember that New Years resolution of mine?  The one about me trying something new each week (unless I have orders to fill... orders trump experimenting) and blogging about it, and posting pictures on FB and all that good stuff?  Well, what do you know?  I actually did it.  It's a good start to the year, I think.

I haven't come up with a name for it yet, but I really like it.  I've already figured out some ways to improve it for the next time.  I think it's a very satisfactory first try at something new.  What do you think?

Stop N Shop

Coming up on Dec. 4!  My jewelry and I will be there.

http://stpnshp.blogspot.com/



I would love to see all of your beautiful faces!  Please stop and take a look at all we have to offer.  It's a great chance to cross a lot of people off your shopping list. ;)  Hope to see you there!

A Resolution ALREADY!?!?!

Yes. That's right, folks.  I have already decided what my jewelry resolution will be for the new year.  Does that make me a little bit crazy?  Probably.  But I'm totally okay with that. ;)  We all know I'm a little bit crazy anyway, so you really shouldn't be surprised.

But... I'm going to need your help with it.  I need you to pester me about it if I'm not sticking to it.  Deal?  Cool.  Thanks.  I knew I could count on you.  =D

So... here's what I came up with:

Each week I'm going to try a new pattern/technique.  I'm going to POST PICTURES of it, too.  (Because, seriously, I'm LAME-O when it comes to posting pictures regularly)  So keep an eye out for totally new pieces from me each week, starting after the new year.  The holidays are far too crazy to start it now. 

And be sure to call me on it if I'm not getting it done.  I'm really excited for this.  I always find new projects that I'm going to try, but I get distracted and forget about them.  So now I get to pull some of those articles, etc., out and give them a go. 

It's going to be totally stellar.  Just wait and see.  ;)

Displays!

I've been searching the internet for a while now, trying to find some ideas for new displays.  So... I thought I knew what I wanted to do, so I went in search of my supplies.  I spent a LOT of time in Hobby Lobby (listening to A. make the necessary animal noise any time he saw an animal on the decorative stuff)  I totally hit the jackpot.  Didn't really buy what I had planned on buying, but that's beside the point. ;)  I'm really excited to try out my new stuff this coming weekend.  Wish me luck!

More Craft Fairs!

I tell you what, I never thought I would see the day when I would have to pick and choose on craft fairs.  I've never really been invited to do any, but this year I've had several approach me.  So THANK YOU! to all of you that passed my info along.  I can't tell you what it means to me that you all would think enough of my "business" that you would do that. 

Same goes for all of my new "likes" on Facebook.  I can't believe that I'm inching up to 300 fans!

So Thanks to all of you that have mentioned me to someone else, for whatever reason.  <3

Again???

It appears I spend a lot of time telling you all that I'm BACK on blogger.  Sad.  Facebook is definitely the easier way for me to stay on top of things, but I'll do my best to get back on the blogging bandwagon. ;)

Things have been going fairly well for me lately.  The Millard West Craft Fair went fairly well.  It was really nice to have some friends in on the action, too.  It was a LOT of fun. =)  The Maplewood UMC potato bake/vendor fair went okay, too.  It's always fun to sell to people I know. 

So... overall, things are very happy.  I may not be buying my boots just yet (those will be my first paycheck to myself EVER!) but I think I'll be showing them off sometime in the very near future.  =D

As always, if you know anyone interested in hosting a party, or someone getting married, etc., please send them my way!  I really enjoy both of those sides of B. Accessorized.

Thanks for reading.