Bad bad bad me. I know. It's been a few weeks since my last update...and I was doing so good. Well this post is going to be a quickie!
I've finished off several pairs of "no bling" Butterfly shaped Washi Paper earrings, and posted them in my etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones. I have 2 different gloss finishes available. Crackle, and Smooth. I posted a set in each finish of each Washi design. I also posted 3 with bling. The prices reflect the amount of bling or crystals used. So, FINALLY, I had something new added into my store.
I've been getting nowhere very quickly with my Cross-Stitch. I guess I'm just not as passionate about Lotsa-Heart as I was with Swift Heart. I only seem to work on it during my lunch break at work. I guess there isn't much motivation since I still don't know what I'm going to do with it.
On the flip side, I start teaching Crochet class next month. It's a 4 week class, so everyone, including me, gets homework in order to finish the blanket at the end of the month. So far, I'm scheduled till the end of December. We'll see how well it goes.
Now, today, I've got some bread dough rising for home made bread and some Christmas Cards to make for a card exchange...so CIAO!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
08/20/2012
Another Monday, and here I am. Let me just say, thank goodness for calender reminders!
The last couple of days have been busy! And not on the crafting front. So today, has been a little light cleaning (even though it needs more), catch up on laundry, and I took time today to start sketching out designs for a friends website.
As it stands, I have not created any more new jewelry or washi jewelry. Bad me! I'm about to place an order to get more bling...but I'm just waiting for the right moment.
I'm 16.5 hours into my cross-stitch. I would say, I'm probably 5+ hours away from finishing the top half. I don't think my goal of end of August is looking very realistic. The problem with this one, I've been too busy to work on it at home during the evening. The only times I seem to work on it is during my lunch breaks.
And well, when was the last time I added something to my Etsy store? I can't even remember...but I'm thinking it was July. My phone reminder for that one always happens at the most inconvenient time...and is impossible to for me to wrench the computer away from the hubby. But, these are the downfall to living in a modern time. He and I need to work out a better schedule, that's all.
Well, this weeks post was another quickie, only because I need to get back to that "light" cleaning ;)
The last couple of days have been busy! And not on the crafting front. So today, has been a little light cleaning (even though it needs more), catch up on laundry, and I took time today to start sketching out designs for a friends website.
As it stands, I have not created any more new jewelry or washi jewelry. Bad me! I'm about to place an order to get more bling...but I'm just waiting for the right moment.
And well, when was the last time I added something to my Etsy store? I can't even remember...but I'm thinking it was July. My phone reminder for that one always happens at the most inconvenient time...and is impossible to for me to wrench the computer away from the hubby. But, these are the downfall to living in a modern time. He and I need to work out a better schedule, that's all.
Well, this weeks post was another quickie, only because I need to get back to that "light" cleaning ;)
Monday, August 13, 2012
08/13/2012
So here goes my weekly post.
I haven't much to report, so unless I wax poetic about SOMETHING, this should be a short one.
I've been super busy at work this week...I know, I know, everyone says that. But it's been true in this case. I have come home every night exhausted, that it takes all my energy just to have a nice evening time conversation with my husband. One of our people went on vacay this week, and somehow I got everything dropped in my direction. You try balancing your normal duties plus someone else'. Grrrrrrr.
So in short, my cross-stitch has suffered. I've put about 3 hours into it this week, and that was all during my lunch breaks. She's (Lotsa-Heart Elephant) coming along nicely...just not nearly fast enough. She's built from the top of the tummy to the base of the nose/trunk. No new pictures to add of it. Maybe for next week.
Some good news though, It was approved that next quarter (October - December) I will start teaching a crochet class. Each month, we should complete a whole blanket. October and November the students will be able to choose from two different patterns. December, I made it easier on myself, and everyone will be making the same blanket. So, most likely the fruits of my labor will wind up listed on Etsy. Since I'm teaching it as a class, there will be homework each week to have completed. I've gone over the patterns, and already decided how much needs to be finished during each class to complete the blankets. That also means that I will have to do my homework too!
Well, that's all I got, so thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to check out my Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
I haven't much to report, so unless I wax poetic about SOMETHING, this should be a short one.
I've been super busy at work this week...I know, I know, everyone says that. But it's been true in this case. I have come home every night exhausted, that it takes all my energy just to have a nice evening time conversation with my husband. One of our people went on vacay this week, and somehow I got everything dropped in my direction. You try balancing your normal duties plus someone else'. Grrrrrrr.
So in short, my cross-stitch has suffered. I've put about 3 hours into it this week, and that was all during my lunch breaks. She's (Lotsa-Heart Elephant) coming along nicely...just not nearly fast enough. She's built from the top of the tummy to the base of the nose/trunk. No new pictures to add of it. Maybe for next week.
Some good news though, It was approved that next quarter (October - December) I will start teaching a crochet class. Each month, we should complete a whole blanket. October and November the students will be able to choose from two different patterns. December, I made it easier on myself, and everyone will be making the same blanket. So, most likely the fruits of my labor will wind up listed on Etsy. Since I'm teaching it as a class, there will be homework each week to have completed. I've gone over the patterns, and already decided how much needs to be finished during each class to complete the blankets. That also means that I will have to do my homework too!
Well, that's all I got, so thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to check out my Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
Sunday, August 5, 2012
08/06/2012
Now my next step is talking the husband into taking nice pictures so I can list it on Etsy. It's already washed and dried. and shrunk up as much as it will shrink.
So, now to completely devote my time to the Cross-Stitch. Hopefully, I can finish it by the end of August. In October, hopefully, I will be teaching a crochet class. We will see how it goes.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
07/23/2012
Today is going to be a short post. The hubby and I went to the beach yesterday on an all day trip so all the cleaning that didn't get done, is just calling our names.
I have several pairs of Washi earrings in the mix. Some plain, some with a little bling, some with a lot of bling. My Cross-Stitch is progressing well. Still waiting on the yarn to finish my Fillet Crochet blanket, but that will probably (hopefully) come this week.
The going away gifts were a hit with the co-workers. Both ladies loved them.
I made two birthday cards to my BFF's two little ones, a boy and a girl. Since the post office is closed today, I'll get them sent out tomorrow. I went to a stamp club this week since mine wasn't meeting this month. And as usual, I still have to add items to etsy since Saturday nights, the hubby is usually watching TV at the time my reminder goes off.
Like I said, short but sweet. Catch you next week.
I have several pairs of Washi earrings in the mix. Some plain, some with a little bling, some with a lot of bling. My Cross-Stitch is progressing well. Still waiting on the yarn to finish my Fillet Crochet blanket, but that will probably (hopefully) come this week.
The going away gifts were a hit with the co-workers. Both ladies loved them.
I made two birthday cards to my BFF's two little ones, a boy and a girl. Since the post office is closed today, I'll get them sent out tomorrow. I went to a stamp club this week since mine wasn't meeting this month. And as usual, I still have to add items to etsy since Saturday nights, the hubby is usually watching TV at the time my reminder goes off.
Like I said, short but sweet. Catch you next week.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
07/16/2012
Last week was been hectic. I feel like it's been all work and no play. I feel extra tired...and of course on my 2 days off, I don't get to sleep in. I think my husband and cat conspire against me.
Any way, I've got a nice lead on my New Project. I'm making a counted Cross-Stitch of Lots a-Heart Elephant from the Care Bear Cousins. Here's my progress after 7.5 hours put into it.
I know, it's still pretty amorphic, but what you are seeing is the top part of the white tummy, part of an arm, and part of a hand. Those dark pink splotches are elephant fingernails on the right side.
I'm still waiting on my special order of green yarn to come in...so finishing the blanket is on hold. But once it's finished, I will definitely post a pic. That has been a labor of love let me tell you. I don't think I will be trying one of those again anytime soon. And if anyone ever tells you Fillet crochet is easy, laugh at them and walk away. While the patten is simple to read, actually doing it is another matter.
But I muddle on with my various projects trying to bring order to the chaos. I need to add some more items to my etsy store; http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones and I need to fine tune my Washi projects.
And speaking of Washi projects, I just got a sampler with 6x6 pieces of 25 pattern and 25 solid. I've gone through and matched the pattern prints with a coordinating solid. I cannot wait to start making earrings with them. I've got 2 glued down, and now I'm in the process of sealing them with matte Mod-Podge. I use about 3-6 coats, depending on the amount of gold in the image. Then I punch out the design and then seal them with a heavy acrylic. I use so much Mod-Podge because I found the acrylic makes the gold paint (or whatever it's made from) bleed through on lighter areas, such as white. It's still a work in progress, but I know I'll eventually nail the key to no more bleeding.
Hopefully, I will have more accomplished to talk about in next weeks blog. See you then!
Any way, I've got a nice lead on my New Project. I'm making a counted Cross-Stitch of Lots a-Heart Elephant from the Care Bear Cousins. Here's my progress after 7.5 hours put into it.
I know, it's still pretty amorphic, but what you are seeing is the top part of the white tummy, part of an arm, and part of a hand. Those dark pink splotches are elephant fingernails on the right side.
I'm still waiting on my special order of green yarn to come in...so finishing the blanket is on hold. But once it's finished, I will definitely post a pic. That has been a labor of love let me tell you. I don't think I will be trying one of those again anytime soon. And if anyone ever tells you Fillet crochet is easy, laugh at them and walk away. While the patten is simple to read, actually doing it is another matter.
But I muddle on with my various projects trying to bring order to the chaos. I need to add some more items to my etsy store; http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones and I need to fine tune my Washi projects.
And speaking of Washi projects, I just got a sampler with 6x6 pieces of 25 pattern and 25 solid. I've gone through and matched the pattern prints with a coordinating solid. I cannot wait to start making earrings with them. I've got 2 glued down, and now I'm in the process of sealing them with matte Mod-Podge. I use about 3-6 coats, depending on the amount of gold in the image. Then I punch out the design and then seal them with a heavy acrylic. I use so much Mod-Podge because I found the acrylic makes the gold paint (or whatever it's made from) bleed through on lighter areas, such as white. It's still a work in progress, but I know I'll eventually nail the key to no more bleeding.
Hopefully, I will have more accomplished to talk about in next weeks blog. See you then!
Monday, July 9, 2012
07/09/2012
Well, I'm 2 for 2. Two weeks consistently adding to my blog. It helps that I set a reminder on my phone. Every Monday, I try to get it done.
New things going on in my life...Well, I've gotten back into making the Washi Jewelry. What is Washi Jewelry you ask? Well, being in Japan, I fell in LOVE with this decorative paper the Japanese make called Washi Paper. It's roughly about 4ft by 2ft for the larger size. (Don't quote me as I don't have a full sheet in my possession right this minute) They are mostly decorated with bright colors. Most have the Sakura flower or Cherry Blossom design, or leaves. Many have a fan and or a butterfly. All are very beautiful. Now, the Japanese use this washi paper to decorate many things. The most common thing I have seen are tea boxes and eggs. Yes, I said eggs, as in Chicken eggs or Quail eggs. And let me tell you, they are gorgeous!
So, I tried to put my own spin on the Washi craft and turn it into Jewelry, because that's a big part of who I am, and what I craft. So I devised a way to make jewelry using 2 sheets of either matching print washi's or using complementary /coordinating colors. My purpose of using 2 sheets is to make it reversible. With pendants, it's easy for it to get flipped over and show the other side, and I wanted the other side to be as pretty as the front.
I have two co-workers that are leaving very soon, so I got a jump start on their going away gift. Both ladies are very feminine, so I added Swarovski Elements crystals for a little bling. The picture shows both sides for the earrings and the matching pattern washi paper.
So sitting on my desk are 4 sets of the blue and cream butterfly's ready to be made into earrings. I put the clear coat on the second side today so I'm waiting for that to finish drying. Now my dilemma is bling or no bling. Most of the washi paper I have has gold somewhere in the pattern, so all my findings are either gold plated or gold toned and lead free/nickel free.
As an update on my fillet crochet blanket, last week I was on quite the roll. I'm down to 5 more rows to finish the blanket and then the edging. But I'm almost out of yarn, and I had to special order the color I needed at my local craft store...and, I'm one of those people that HATES to run out of yarn and have to wait. I'd prefer to stop what I'm doing, where I'm at and wait till I get what I need. So, the blanket is temporary on hold for another couple of weeks. I think I will start on the Lotsa Heart Elephant cross-stitch I was planning on starting next, during my lunch break tomorrow.
Don't forget to check out my etsy store. http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
New things going on in my life...Well, I've gotten back into making the Washi Jewelry. What is Washi Jewelry you ask? Well, being in Japan, I fell in LOVE with this decorative paper the Japanese make called Washi Paper. It's roughly about 4ft by 2ft for the larger size. (Don't quote me as I don't have a full sheet in my possession right this minute) They are mostly decorated with bright colors. Most have the Sakura flower or Cherry Blossom design, or leaves. Many have a fan and or a butterfly. All are very beautiful. Now, the Japanese use this washi paper to decorate many things. The most common thing I have seen are tea boxes and eggs. Yes, I said eggs, as in Chicken eggs or Quail eggs. And let me tell you, they are gorgeous!
So, I tried to put my own spin on the Washi craft and turn it into Jewelry, because that's a big part of who I am, and what I craft. So I devised a way to make jewelry using 2 sheets of either matching print washi's or using complementary /coordinating colors. My purpose of using 2 sheets is to make it reversible. With pendants, it's easy for it to get flipped over and show the other side, and I wanted the other side to be as pretty as the front.
So sitting on my desk are 4 sets of the blue and cream butterfly's ready to be made into earrings. I put the clear coat on the second side today so I'm waiting for that to finish drying. Now my dilemma is bling or no bling. Most of the washi paper I have has gold somewhere in the pattern, so all my findings are either gold plated or gold toned and lead free/nickel free.
As an update on my fillet crochet blanket, last week I was on quite the roll. I'm down to 5 more rows to finish the blanket and then the edging. But I'm almost out of yarn, and I had to special order the color I needed at my local craft store...and, I'm one of those people that HATES to run out of yarn and have to wait. I'd prefer to stop what I'm doing, where I'm at and wait till I get what I need. So, the blanket is temporary on hold for another couple of weeks. I think I will start on the Lotsa Heart Elephant cross-stitch I was planning on starting next, during my lunch break tomorrow.
Don't forget to check out my etsy store. http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
Sunday, July 1, 2012
7/1/2012
So, here I was all gunge-ho about my etsy store, and my twitter account, and this blog. I had successfully managed to update for 2 weeks in a row. Then my husband came back from work related travel, and all my good intentions went out the window. Then, when he went again...it all just slipped my mind. I'm kind of scatter brained like that.
But I'm back, and going to try harder to keep on blogging. In fact, every week I have a calender reminder on my phone to remind me to write a little something. Hopefully, a little calender reminder is all I need.
So, I've been getting into the crafting spirit again....sometimes my craft muse just leaves me hanging. I have a couple of birthday cards to make for a friends children. One is in the development phase, and one is still in the planning phase. I found this pocket watch at my local craft store that I completely fell in love with, and now I'm on a mission to dress up the chain, and make it pretty. The only problem is, the battery is dying and I can't find where to open it and replace it. Also, I've been steadily working on completing a Fillet Crochet blanket that I originally started back in 2008 (I think). As of right this minute I have 24 more rows to complete the blanket plus the edging. I will say, once this blanket is finished, I'm listing it in my etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
As a collector of crafts, this year with the exception of jewelry, it has been my goal to finish more craft projects. My problem has always been in the past, that I start something, get bored with it, then move onto the next without completing what I started. But oh no, this year has been different. I created an excel spreadsheet that I write in when I start a new project (or re start an old project). I also keep track of how many hours I spent making or finishing a project. Plus I keep track of how much money I spent on supplies. In the case of an already started project, I keep track of any new item I must buy to finish. So far, this has worked out for me. I have completed 2 NEW projects this year, finished 1 old project and I'm nearly finished with the blanket. After this, I plan to go back to a new project.
Now, Jewelry, that's a different thing. I sit down to make jewelry, and within an hour I have a Necklace, Bracelet and matching earring set. Go me. But lately, I just haven't been in the jewelry mood. And maybe it's because nothing has sold in my etsy store. But there's still plenty of time.
But I'm back, and going to try harder to keep on blogging. In fact, every week I have a calender reminder on my phone to remind me to write a little something. Hopefully, a little calender reminder is all I need.
So, I've been getting into the crafting spirit again....sometimes my craft muse just leaves me hanging. I have a couple of birthday cards to make for a friends children. One is in the development phase, and one is still in the planning phase. I found this pocket watch at my local craft store that I completely fell in love with, and now I'm on a mission to dress up the chain, and make it pretty. The only problem is, the battery is dying and I can't find where to open it and replace it. Also, I've been steadily working on completing a Fillet Crochet blanket that I originally started back in 2008 (I think). As of right this minute I have 24 more rows to complete the blanket plus the edging. I will say, once this blanket is finished, I'm listing it in my etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones
As a collector of crafts, this year with the exception of jewelry, it has been my goal to finish more craft projects. My problem has always been in the past, that I start something, get bored with it, then move onto the next without completing what I started. But oh no, this year has been different. I created an excel spreadsheet that I write in when I start a new project (or re start an old project). I also keep track of how many hours I spent making or finishing a project. Plus I keep track of how much money I spent on supplies. In the case of an already started project, I keep track of any new item I must buy to finish. So far, this has worked out for me. I have completed 2 NEW projects this year, finished 1 old project and I'm nearly finished with the blanket. After this, I plan to go back to a new project.
Now, Jewelry, that's a different thing. I sit down to make jewelry, and within an hour I have a Necklace, Bracelet and matching earring set. Go me. But lately, I just haven't been in the jewelry mood. And maybe it's because nothing has sold in my etsy store. But there's still plenty of time.
Monday, May 14, 2012
5/13/2012
Today was a boring lonely day. I love Monday's because they are the one day I have consistently off work each week. But I hate them, because it's usually my cleaning/laundry day, and if there is time, then I can do crafting. But this week is a little different.
My husband is on work related travel, so it's just me and the cat. The latter part, I love, the former not so much. So while I did the cleaning and laundry, I also did maintenance on the computer...As in putting files where they belong, etc. While the usual got accomplished, I feel like nothing did. And to make things worse, my favorite pajama bottoms (that I have had forever) decided to tear...and not just a tear, but a gaping hole. And while I could easily sew them back together, the tear wasn't on the seam, but on the fabric. Grrrrr....
But, my husband being gone, is maybe a good thing. I get control of the TV and I get the bed all to myself, no cover hogs. And, the best part, yesterday after he left...I did a retail therapy. Now I have a new tool box, that is fully loaded with supplies. And by fully loaded, I mean packed!
I think it took me at least 2 hours to unwrap everything and put them where I thought their proper place was. Debating on going and getting a second one...I have a lot of beads, and actual tools that need their own space. The couch just doesn't cut it.
But as I write this, my laundry is almost finished, and I have a few more things so tidy up. I wrote down an actual chore list, lets see how clean the house stays with just me and Dresden.
My husband is on work related travel, so it's just me and the cat. The latter part, I love, the former not so much. So while I did the cleaning and laundry, I also did maintenance on the computer...As in putting files where they belong, etc. While the usual got accomplished, I feel like nothing did. And to make things worse, my favorite pajama bottoms (that I have had forever) decided to tear...and not just a tear, but a gaping hole. And while I could easily sew them back together, the tear wasn't on the seam, but on the fabric. Grrrrr....
But, my husband being gone, is maybe a good thing. I get control of the TV and I get the bed all to myself, no cover hogs. And, the best part, yesterday after he left...I did a retail therapy. Now I have a new tool box, that is fully loaded with supplies. And by fully loaded, I mean packed!
 | |
| Dresden checking out Mommy's new box |
But as I write this, my laundry is almost finished, and I have a few more things so tidy up. I wrote down an actual chore list, lets see how clean the house stays with just me and Dresden.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
New Blog
Well, here it goes. This is my first blog transmission. I've never been one for blogging and I never comment on the things I read, but it's time to join the rest of society.
I'm a jewelry artist trying to to get my craft up and running in my etsy store. I got a book to help me learn about etsy, and the helpful info said I should start a blog, speak informatively on other people's blogs, open a twitter account, create a Facebook page etc. All these things are supposed to help me boost my sales, and show I am a professional that knows what she is doing.
All these things have been done <yes, finally!> I've been getting my ducks in a row. This was my last step. Here I am for the world to see.
We just got a new macro camera lens, so my budding photography husband can finally start taking good <and hopefully> professional pictures of the wares I'm peddling.
So, thanks for stopping, and don't forget to check out my etsy store, http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones and you can find my Tweets @SaltedBones
I'm a jewelry artist trying to to get my craft up and running in my etsy store. I got a book to help me learn about etsy, and the helpful info said I should start a blog, speak informatively on other people's blogs, open a twitter account, create a Facebook page etc. All these things are supposed to help me boost my sales, and show I am a professional that knows what she is doing.
All these things have been done <yes, finally!> I've been getting my ducks in a row. This was my last step. Here I am for the world to see.
We just got a new macro camera lens, so my budding photography husband can finally start taking good <and hopefully> professional pictures of the wares I'm peddling.
So, thanks for stopping, and don't forget to check out my etsy store, http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones and you can find my Tweets @SaltedBones
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