Moving...

My blog has moved to: http://tiialinartcraftdesign.blogspot.com... This is also doubling as my online spot until I have my full site ready! Thanks for stopping by and I see you there!

Wondering

 I donated the 2 items shown here to a charity auction a few months ago. And I am so happy to have been able to do that. But now I am wondering who they went home with.
Does that person or persons know that I very lovingly made those and value the work?
I am assuming they would. I am also wishing they would email me and say something. Why? So, I can send the a thank you note for donating and for picking one of my items.

Monday

It's October! My favorite holiday is.. what.. 17 days away. Oh, yes. I'm excited about that. Even better, it's not bitter cold... yet. I probably spoke too soon.
In other news. The mod for school is in it's second week and I have only one class. What a relief. I'm feeling much more focused and not just on school. But my business. I'm working on a plan to get my name out there. And I just need $60, to get started on part of it. Hopefully I'll come across that this week. The mere thought of moving forward with this moves me so.

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

- Walt Disney

Farmer's Market

Thursday

Wow.... I have been busy lately. I had a photo shoot recently and am slowly editing my way through them. I already have a few things posted. I launched the first of my Ski Lodge collection. So happy about that. I feel some pressure off in that regard. I need to get back to inventory building now that the designing frenzy seems to have died down some. I will still design new things. I can't help that... my brain gets an idea and it's off and running around like the mad hatter. I had 2 sales earlier this week. Big things, too. (Insert Happy Dance) I still grin about it, another step! I am also hoping to get some wholesale accounts... I am going to start putting together a lookbook. Just need printer ink... better yet I think I might out source that... kind of... I love getting an idea.

Farmer's Market

Wednesday

I've been making some great progress on my new collection. It's been a little slower than I wanted because I've had things come up and I have been trying to figure out my 'day job' situation, exactly... or as exactly as I can. I am still debating on some aspects of my future. I know any choice I make requires help from people much better at things (like networking) than me.  Had another sale at me farmer's market booth, this I find encouraging. Although, I am moving toward not doing it next year.  Or perhaps on towards the end of it when the weather cools and people are thinking more about the coming months. I am also thinking more about approaching some local boutiques, but the fact that I am incredibly shy detracts from that.
In other thoughts, I am going to be doing some charity work soon. Making preemie hats for the Warm Up American's Caps For Good. I'm really looking forward to participating. Because it's all around a warm fuzzy feeling. And I love quick projects. If I can help a little one by making a hat then it's worth it. No questions asked. Now, I just need to find my size 10 double point needles.

Farmer's Market

Wild Pineapple

My other newest project (like I need another one) is an online magazine/blog that I started that will focus on Etsy and it's fabulousness.

wild pineapple

It went live on the 1st. I am really just beside myself with how excited I am about it.... I get to write regularly and look for cool stuff and interview the awesome people who sell stuff on Etsy.

Wednesday

I haven't had great internet for a while, but now that I do...  I am so happy to be able to use my laptop and not just my iPhone to get online... fabulous!

But I am most excited to preview my newest creations:

Farmer's Market

Thursday

So my dilemma today is an overflow of design ideas and not feeling like I can play them out to their full potential. Well, I could, but I'd go broke in the process. I can't wait to be working at it full time. Designing and making things that is.  It really is all I think about... which is just insane. I didn't know it could consume so much of my brain. I guess it's a good that I know what I really love, but I think I discovered it a little late. If I knew now what I loved back when I graduated high school, I think I'd be farther along. Just saying.

Monday

Do I really need to say more?
I really don't think so, but I will.
It started out well. My daughter was dropped off, the dogs went nuts, we all went back to sleep. Then I woke again to my daughter and the day really started (my days are full of false starts lately) things were fine, until some strange switch in my head flipped to cranky shortly after I got out of class. And here I am. Blogging at 11:30 PM with a mild headache and with the inability to decide on whether or not I'm hot or cold.  I imagine a lot of my bad mood stems from the stress I am under and feeling like I am horrendously behind in my efforts to be doing what I love.... which if you don't know by now is to make stuff, yarn related stuff mostly. It's obnoxious really. Not the loving to make, but the feeling like I am horrendously behind. I don't know where this need to rush comes from, but I feel like I have to hurry up and do everything now. And I mean now as in "rightnow". Patience is a virtue... Good things comes to those who wait... Bugger it. Ah, hell. I'm going to shut myself up before I really start to annoy myself.

Farmer's Market

Moving... Again...

Yep.. for the 4th time in 6 months. At least this it feels more permanent this time... I'm hoping very permanent. I just need to get myself and everything else together, then in a year or so I hope to buy the home. Exciting. Now, I just need to graduate and get working. The only problem is balancing family, my current job, my business, and school. It's nuts really. I'm doing the best I can, but it's a daunting task.
I am in the process of reorganizing my lines for my shop.... I can't wait to show you guys the stuff I have coming up! It's beautiful to say the least.... sigh.

New Obsession

Obi. Belt.
I am now obsessed with these. And the buying of them, but the idea (haven't done it, yet) of making them. I have my pattern figured out already. I just need the materials to make... need to do a tester first..... so excited to make one the first one. I'll get photos done of the first one and post them asap.
I'm moving again, but I believe that this will be a more permanent situation. I'll keep you posted.

Farmer's Market

Overload

My brain is on overload. I seriously think the circuits will short any moment now. Between school, work, trying to find new work, working on my business and raising my daughter (this being most important).... I'm not entirely sure that I can handle it all.
When is comes to my business, I feel like the limitations on my time put limitations on my creativity and my productivity. Which can be frustrating for all the design ideas I have floating in my head. When I am done with the baby blanket, I plan on getting caught up on couple other projects, and then I will get focused on my first collection. It's something I've had rolling around for a while now. I am so excited about it! I would love to jump right in, but first things first. And I am reworking my timing to match better with those of the major fashion houses that I so admire.

Monday

I just got the yarn for the crocheted baby blanket I am making for a friend of mine. Her baby shower is coming up quick. I am so excited for her. And, perhaps, a little jealous. I've been wanting a second child for a long time, but the timing is just horrible. At any rate, I am getting started on it right away. She's having a little boy, and while I am going with the traditional blue, I am opting for different shades. It's an ombre of dark and light blue which makes me think of the ocean. I think it'll go well with her theme: pirates. Good deal, right?
School is moving right along. Starting the new the only thing that is really frustrating is that it cuts back my shifts at work.  Hopefully, everything will just work out in the end.

Sitting at Farmer's Market

I am sitting here in my booth at the Farmer's Market in Ogden, Ut. (Thank you wireless internet)

I've decided that I need to get back to doing some of my macro photography. Going thru some of my photos, I realized that I really enjoyed the process of setting up the shot. When things are more settled and have a space to work I plan on getting back into the full swing of creativity.

I sent out my donation items yesterday. I am so happy to help. And if I get some business for it great. If not, at least I've done some good. I am still working out things for my 2 new collects. And I be adding a whole new medium to the mix. I'm pretty excited about all of this. I am also looking to get a new site started, it will still be a blog, but one tuned to be my professional site. I also have another thought that is quickly becoming another solid idea. I don't have all the kinks worked out, but that one actually seems closer to becoming real since it's actually a little faster at getting it all together. So we will see how everything pans out

In today's top stories...

I had a conversation with someone that could lead to some local success. I won't go into details until I have more than the conversation to go off of. But this could be huge for me.. or at least the start of something huge.
I  did another update today. Here are some samples of what went up:

I have my next photo shoot scheduled.... and I have the items set aside for the charity auction that I am donating to. Did I mention that? I don't remember if I did or not. Well, in case I haven't, I am donating 2 items to a charity auction for pancreatic cancer. For more information you can visit Kim Werker's website under the "pancreatic craftacular" section. I am really so happy to be able to participate. I am not big enough to donate profit, but the physical items I can. I do what I can. 

Here is a small sampling of the newest addition to my etsy shop.

I am very excited to have been able to provide so many updates recently.

I hoping to have another shoot shortly, meanwhile I will have 5 new additions for Thursday. Once I get new batteries and a new compact flash usb port (is that the correct term?) I will start teasing you with the 2 new aspects of my creative obsession. Oh, I can't tell you how excited I am about these 2 new... lines.. I guess that would be the correct way to word it.  I am really looking to keep moving forward.

Shop News

I just did a rather big update last week, and have another planned for this week, one later today and one for Thursday, and then I'll be scheduling my next photo shoot. I've been feeling my motivation waning, and I'm sure it's the result of all the stress I'm under. But I am excited to announce that I am looking to design a brand new collection... actually 2, but one will come about much sooner than the other. I don't want to go into to many details, because a) the suspense is amazing and b) I don't have all the details yet. Both are different for me, and one is very out of my normal realm. But it is important to grow and change and explore. So, I hope you guys plan on sticking around for more of the action!

Wednesday Stuff

Not actual photo of my moving boxes.

Today, I am moving. Again. For the 3 time in 6 months. I am not at all thrilled about this. 


Moving, for me is just one big headache. Luckily, I don't have a bunch of stuff to haul and I'm only going about 20 minutes south of where I am currently. But I still didn't want this situation to come about at all. Sigh.... and yet, here I am.  There are a lot of other changes going on in my life. A new job for one. Getting closer to graduation. Business ideas. Design ideas. Hopefully some freelance work. Chaos.

Friday...

I've been slowly editing photos and working on new designs. Which I'm really happy about. I've been putting more of myself into the things I really enjoy. But I have so much going on outside that just bogs me down. More over I'm disappointed in myself for not being as on top of things. I guess in a way I had fooled myself into thinking I was so much more pulled together. Reality check.... I'm pretty good at lying to myself. So, as the story goes, I am moving again.  (note to self: start packing). Got a new job.... with a wonky schedule to complicate my already wonky schedule. And still try to be a mom, have relationship, chase dreams, hold down the fort, win the bread, and keep some small amount of sanity. It's tough stuff.  So now that I am done venting. I will some photos once I have a better internet connection.

Just added to Etsy!

The Tipper Loop Scarf
You can wear like a regular scarf or as a cowl. Year round in 100% cotton and the perfect way to add color!

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

First and foremost I want it to grow. I don't mind slow growth, as long as it's growing. At this particular time, I am limited as to what I can do to move things forward, but I take every step I can. I have expanded to selling at the local farmer's market here in Ogden. I also expand my line. I have new designs and ideas in my head that can't wait to be tangible. So getting as many of my ideas out and made is a priority for me. I am trying to invest as much into building my dreams as I can.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Hmmm, that's tough. I have a blanket that my mom crocheted like 10 years ago, that I love. I also love anything my daughter has scribbled, doodled, painted (we paint birdhouses together), or story she's told. But I think one of my absolute favorite things is food and cooking. A meal (made by myself, my mom, or whoever) is something special. Food I think is best when shared with you're favorite people. When it's home made it's a love thing. But I think it's also the same if the food is made by someone who really loves to cook. You can tell if someone cares about what they are doing. And that translates to everything you do.

Please describe your creative process.

It's pretty random actually. Sometimes I get the "what-if" thought first. Sometimes it's the material that comes first.  Or it's a stitch pattern I've seen or found and am holding on to till I have the perfect yarn for it. Then I write down some notes or I get straight to work making a sample. Then I make more notes after the sample is done. I'm pretty organized with my designs. Which is funny cause I'm a total clutter bug. I have 2 sketch books. One is for the finished patterns, notes on color, a description, and any other information. The other has notes, sketches, thoughts and ideas. It's oddly random and organized. I carry both books with me because you never know when inspiration will strike. I like to surround myself with my materials, so I tend to collect everything in my favorite room. If I get an idea for something I want easy access to my tools and materials so I can work on it "rightnow", so to have an in house studio for me is ideal. I love working from home, but luckily much of my stuff is very portable. So I can take it with me if I ever get to travel. Or I can take it to work like I do now.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

I don't have specific books that I like. I am more about genres and authors.

But my top 3 authors are Nora Roberts, Kate Jacobs, and Debbie MaComber. Two of my favorite genres are Crochet and Knitting books (especially stitch dictionaries) and cook books (especially vegetarian ones, or ones with recipes that can be easily adapted to vegetarian)

Movies are hard for me because I am not much of a movie watcher. The ones I do tend to enjoy the most are kids flicks:

1- Cars

2- Up

3- Ice Age

4- Madagascar

5- Harry Potter (all of them)

Music.. this one is hard because I love music. I like stuff all across the board.

In no particular order:

1- Breaking Benjamin

2- Garth Brooks

3- Tool

4- Three Days Grace

5- ATB

Websites I frequent most outside Etsy.com:

1- Facebook

2- Twitter

3- Ravelry

4- The following blogs: mkcarroll, sixoneseven, and novamade

5- ebay

Logo

Introducing my business logo!
Yes, I designed it all on my own, and I made it using the news skills I learned from school.
(c) tiia lin 2010.... If anyone wants a logo designed just let me know.

What first made you want to become an artist?

Frankly, I don't know if I consider myself an artist. I have a deep love of the things I make, but I am just compelled to make. I think designer fits me better, even though I don't sell my patterns. But I remember going through spurts where I was all about one medium or another. There was origami, paints, paper, fabric, polymer clay, yarn and what have you. Some things have come full circle. Yarn, fabric, and paper have become staples for me in one way or another.
I wish I could tell you some amazing fortuitous story of how I stumbled upon my great gift along with the epiphany that I must share it with the world. But I can't. I just have to make the things.  I am the only one who is so driven by the need to be creative, to design, to make that I have every intention of making it my full time income. And I mean full time in every sense of the words. I am happiest at home with my materials and my favorite people around me. I did know early on that I am not meant to work in a regular 9-5. My brain just doesn't tick well in those environments. Working on my graphic arts degree has helped broaden my creative interests (and freelance opportunities). It has also allowed me to be fully in charge of my logo and brand identity. It also gives me insight into marketing. I may roll it into another degree later, but for now I have enough on my plate from school, work, building my dream, and being mom to my amazing daughter.

Brick and Mortar

I really do dream of having my own brick and mortar shop. I have the vision of it so clear in my head that I can almost smell the air and hear my footsteps on the floor. I also see where I want it to go. But I haven't found the name, yet. It'll come to me I'm sure.. in the mean time I am still daydreaming and loosely planning.

It has occurred to me...

That the vast majority of the time, I haven't ever got what I wanted for my birthday. Really, I think last year someone actually got me something I wanted. (Thank you, MKM, for the remote starter for my car) Oh, and the year before. (Thanks, girls, for the new suit case) Other than that, everyone misses the boat. I have told people point blank what I wanted and it still manages to fly over peoples heads. Why is that? Mind you, I am not fishing for birthday gifts. My birthday isn't until February, but I am griping about in now. But I think I'm done now. Yeah. I'm done.

Walk us through your typical workday.

• I'm awake. What more do you want?
• The normal song and dance of getting ready for the day.
• Get my laptop and check my emails, update my facebook, twitter, usually my blog, play on etsy for a little while. 
• Lunch Break!
• Throughout the day I work on projects, designs, homework, housework, paper work, daydream, think, and what have you.
• Dinner or school or work.
• Before bed I work on something, get on my laptop again, or just rest. 

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

At the present time, I am still working 4 to 5 days a week at a local bar, where I'm an entertainer. I'm also getting my degree in Graphic design. Most importantly is raising my daughter. She is absolutely my number one priority. My day usually entails watching plenty of kid's shows and snuggle time, broken up with internet surfing, and other miscellaneous happenings. I'm love to cook, shop and go for walks. I daydream about traveling. I love the Travel channel, Food Network, and Discovery Channel for my TV time.  For the most part, making things is my favorite thing, so that's what I do every chance I get. I'm really a homebody. I guess I'm pretty much in nesting mode permanently.  I do love to eat out though, love checking out local restaurants. Luckily, I'm active enough to eat what I want. Although, I do eat ridiculously healthy.  My life is pretty simple and not really any different. I forget to put things away. I like to make the mess. I hate to clean up the mess. I brush my teeth. I think all the time. I doodle and ponder. I fiddle with things. I laugh because I think I'm funny. And because my daughter is funny. I lose my keys. I do laundry. I walk into rooms and forget why I walked in there. I eat. I sleep. I dance. I craft. I love.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?

I don't think I ever not made things. I remember always being into something. The flour in the kitchen, my mom's make-up, the recycling, sometimes even the garbage. I firmly believe that idle hands are the devil's play things and arts, creativity, and crafting kept me busy.  My brain is always going. Thinking up new designs and projects. I learned over the years that my creativity is best used in knitting, crochet, fabric, paper, and jewelry. I had to do something with all the stuff I love making. There was so much of it! I found etsy a few years ago when I got back in to crafting after my daughter was born, and loved the ease of use, affordability, and overall vibe of it. Hopefully this will turn full time, especially with my expanding not only my line, but exposure by attending craft shows and the local farmer's market.

A bit about myself.

I am a mom, first and foremost.
I am completely socially inept.
I think I'm hilarious.
I talk fast when I'm excited, angry, nervous, or just cause.
I love to hang out at home.
If it weren't for school, work, and errands, I'd be a hermit.
I make things.
Correction, I love to make things.
I am a Graphic Designer.
I do have OCD and ADD tendencies.
I am stubborn, but compliant when I want to be.
I rock out to the beat of my own drum.
I stand out the most by being myself.
I work more than I play.
I'm a non-conformist who conforms when it suits me.
I love tattoos.
I want to save the world, but only the parts I like.
I love twitter and blogging.
I am starting my own business because I work better WITH people than FOR people.
I prefer my toast dark with cream cheese, peanut butter or butter.
I love vegetables.
I love tofu.

Wednesday

I have had a lot going on. Not that I really want to get into the more dramatic parts, but they have had their affect on everything else. I have finished a few samples for my scarfs and wraps. I have a photo shoot set for Sunday with my photographer, which means a run to the storage unit today to get stuff and make my payment.
I'm looking for a house to rent, maybe rent to own. Who knows. We'll see how this whole thing goes. I am excited at the progress I've made on getting my samples done. After I get those all cleared next will 'inventory' building. I wish there was a better word for it than that. I mean, my handmade things are more than just inventory. I put a lot of thought and work into every design and finished scarf, wrap, beanie.  And to just call it inventory.... seems kind low. At any rate, I will post photos after they are resized and such.

Not happy, but happy.

I am so freaking sick I could scream! I have a nasty bacterial infection in my respiratory system, pink eye, and allergies. I had to take the day off work to 'rest'. But I don't rest. I can't be idle. It drives me mad. So what do I do instead... play on the internet, make notes on projects, think about my samples that need to be finished, daydream, putter around the house bored... all the while hoping that someone likes me up there enough to make all this horrible stuff go away. I do have antibiotics for it all, but they never work fast enough for me. I was done with this 3 days ago. I'm okay with the things I have done, but good I'd like to be doing more with my day off. Why do I only get days off when I'm sick?

Ailments.

I have a list of ailments. Allergy season has decide to finally hit me in the face. Which is all fine and good because I have Zyrtec. But all is not well. It (meaning that allergies) managed to carry some nasty infection into my lungs. So now I have bronchitis or some other nasty foul version of discomfort and pain brewing in my chest.  I am currently pouting about it, especially my normal desire to be productive is on low. Which honestly just annoys me. On a better note, that custom order is now done! I finished it yesterday afternoon. After my interview.... I haven't mentioned that yet.... I'm in the news, again. Not for anything bad, just a minor controversy. The city is trying to shut down the bar I work at. So I was interviewed at our protest by the Standard Examiner and Channel 4 News. Which has now lead, apparently, to a human interest story for the Standard Examiner about how 'normal' dancers are. I find it odd that I have to explain that I'm normal. Ok, I'm not normal. But I am not the negative preconceived notions about dancers. Anyway back to the subject on hand. I finished the custom order, and started back working on my samples for my line of scarves. So I am very excited about that.

Tuesday

I have been working on and off on a custom order for the last little while. Which is nice because I know that I'll b getting paid, but at the same time it puts all my plans on the back burner. That's the frustrating part. I have limited time as it is anyway, and looking at my project list just overwhelms me. I feel like I am falling behind. I am hoping that I get contacted by the farmer's market and another crafts fair I applied to soon. I'll feel better if I know that I have something to really work towards. Speaking of which I need to get ready for class and squeeze in some more time on that custom order.

Today is Thursday

I actually have the day off today. No school, no work, I have a couple small errands to run and that's it. What am I going to do with myself? Homework needs to be a priority. I have 2 weeks of History homework to do. And 2 projects due 2 days apart in my design class. Sigh. I want to play catch up on my crafting and my business. I want to paint bird houses with my daughter.

Print Photos

Thursday

So I have been moving and rearranging things all week, I've gotten very little done it the way of crafting or promoting my business. Now that some things are settling down, it's time to focus again.

Before work

I am sitting at my parents kitchen counter pondering all that I need to do and accomplish.... frustrating is what it is. I realize that I am very much so moving forward, and very much so staying still. I'm in list making mode for a lot of this, which some would find funny considering the chaos that is me typically. I am still working on my patterns/formulas for my accessory line. I have finished several projects over the last little bit. Which helps motivate me.  I have 2 projects that are at some level of completed and have a lot more planned. I am in the process of condensing down to just what I need or will definitely use. Focus. That's what I am working on. Focus.

Hello Monday

"Geeks are people who love something so much, all the details are interesting." -Google's Marissa Mayer




Love everything about that quote!


Moving on. I've been quite busy lately. I just debuted my jewelry (well, necklace) line: Adorn. On both Etsy and Facebook. Did the photo shoot for that and the new products for my Blahut Line. Now I just need to get something situated so I can work on my other idea. Just posted a new poem on my other blog. Doing laundry, working on another new product for my Blahut line... need to get another skein to finish another project, but that'll have to wait a week.... save for some miracle. So I've gotten some stuff done. Feeling accomplished.

Thursday

I realize that my blog has been pretty visually bland this last while. Which is pretty much unacceptable when you're a graphic designer. In an effort to remedy that I am post some photos from my etsy store. These are from my Blahut Couture Line, focusing on high end, unique, and/or one-off designs.

Changes

My life is in a bit of turmoil at the moment. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it's still a ways out I feel. I haven't be crafting much, nor doing other productive things. This I will attempt to mend starting today. I don't feel that I should go into a lot of details at this time, but just update you on some stuff. This is very cryptic, but there are so many changes coming up.

Newest Stuff

The custom order should have arrive today or tomorrow. (Thank You Again, Cheryl) I feel so good knowing how beautiful it is and that it got done ahead of schedule. I worked really hard on it. Impressed myself a little even. I am now back to working in my strange little order. I have another photo shoot set for the 3rd of April. Hoping to get my Taryn scarves all photographed and then move on to photographing the other items I've been working on. I'm thinking of a business trip of sorts. I think thats it for now.

Manic Monday

The work on the custom order is going great! About 3/4 to 4/5 of the way done. Moving swimming. Other things not so smooth. Work was rough. Physically and emotionally. I think a little bit of retail therapy may be in order. Mainly starting to get the pieces for my modular desk/workspace for at the studio and for my farmer's market booth.  New mod starts this month. I learn a brand new program: Adobe Illustrator. Exciting. Ok. I'm a little intimidated. More than a little. I'm not an illustrator. I don't draw. I craft and I write. So this feels very daunting. I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm kinda shaky today... probably caffeine overload from yesterday. Had one too many... maybe not enough? I'm done thinking at the moment.

Tuesday's News

I realized that I absolutely cram a 5 day work week into 3 days. I pay for it on Mondays. In brighter news. I had another photo shoot for my product. It's odd saying that, but that's what it is. It was a great shoot. I'm experienced in modeling so we made quick work of 6 items in one hour. Three of the items are currently listed on my Etsy shop.  I hope to get the other 3 up before the day is out.  I also updated my facebook fanpage for the couture line.  I added a new fanpage for my modeling and dancing. Finished my homework.... mostly. The best news is that I have a studio spaces of sorts! I'll be sharing it, but with people I like for different reasons and purposes. One is a music producer and techno genius. So he'll have his stuff set up in one corner. One guy is putting a futon in there as a crash pad. And then I'm putting in a desk and some storage for my paper crafting, finishing and safe keeping of my finished products of all kinds. Overall productive day. Ran errands got the bulk of stuff done. Wednesday, I can focus on my first custom order. Trying to beat my self imposed deadline. Wish me luck!

Wednesday Stuff

I got my first custom order today!  I am very excited for to get working on it. Ordered the yarn, should be here no later than Monday or Tuesday.. fingers crossed.  My life went crazy for a moment. It's still crazy., just not as much. And we'll just leave it at that. I may have a small space for a studio-like space.. which will be great for my paper crafting, storage of finished items, and finishing of somethings. My yarn and fabric will remain in the house close to me. This is just a short update. Will be more detailed next time.

Newest Projects

I have finished a great knitted cowl. I'm quite impressed with myself for finishing it as quick as I did.  I already bought yarn to make another on. I also picked up a few things to make some more stuff... big surprise, I know. I do love shopping. I'm starting to filter out what yarns I intend to use for what. It's been daunting, but so exciting to see more purpose to my stash and it's new additions. I also got some acrylic varnish so I can paint the buttons I made out of polymer clay. I love that I can do that. I love being able to make things for myself instead of having to buy them. It's great!

A dream of mine

I dream of having a home for art and craft. I don't believe that those things are separate. A knitter and a painter have many things in common. Both see raw materials as a finished piece. Both use hands and tools to make that result. There is color and technique to consider. Shape, size, design. Both have such an intimate knowledge of they're chosen medium (or did it choose them?) that they can give it life.
I dream of a store, a school, a gallery that celebrates these things. I would love a place that these creative people can come and work. A place where they can demonstrate they're love and educate others about who they are, why they make, how they create, and all the other questions that can come up. A brick and mortar forum for discussion. How empowering  would that be? A fine artist discussing color with a potter, a knitter meeting a metal sculptor, a jeweler taking inspiration from a furniture maker. I love all art and all craft for what it is. Skill and talent is just the tip creativity.  Oh, what a dream! Someday it will come true.

It's not just Lincoln's Birthday

Links: Loyalty Tattoos and Mrs. Greenbalm

News and more

Playing with photoshop... I'm really liking what it can do.
Anyway. I have a business partner. We are really going to do this. I've been doing research on local craft fairs... I'm even thinking of expanding into the states around us. But the actually attendance of those ones will be for upcoming years.  We both love yarn and crafting in general.. we just have different aesthetics. Roughly our business is under one name with different lines. Which compliments the individuality and joint interest we have. There are few things that we will happily work on together, or both make. Although I am not used to how vocal she is and her willingness to share with everyone our progress. I'm pretty quiet about everything... except for on here and other web sources. Maybe that'll just be our niches. Her the verbal, vocal talk to everyone aspect, and me the online venue. You never know.  I've already got a blog up for it (click here). I think we plan on registering the name very shortly. I need to call the tax commission.. tomorrow or Friday.
In other news, My birthday is Friday. I'll be 26 and all my plans fell thru. I'm not why I'm surprised. Happens pretty much every year, but I digress.
I am working a project that I had set aside back in December. My goal is to finish it and then move on to some new projects and expanding my line. My immediate needs are the different yarns for those products, a mouse, a USB extender, a printer (inkjet that can handle different kinds of paper), and a slew of adhesives. I have to list these this for my sake. Helps those mental notes. I'm also learning more about my sense of humor and teaching. But that's for a different blog. Ok, got to finish somethings on Etsy and then go to bed.

A day off

 YEAH! I have today off. It hasn't been very restful. I made minimal progress on one of my big projects.
The photo shoot went great. I had to cut it short by a lot, but we got some great stuff. I'll be listing on my Etsy shop (handmadebyrogue.etsy.com) over the week since I should have my copy of the photos on Monday.

Today and Tomorrow

This past week has gone by fairly quick. I am feeling good about my new Chair Dancing class at the studio (www.danceogden.com). It was a little rough, but I had short notice.. 4 days, to be exact. I did well, and I got some positive feed back. I just hope my happy little bubble there doesn't get burst. I really would be heart broken. I am thrilled to say that Becca the pole master has some great events coming up. Those are listed on the studios blog (www.adultdanceandfitness.blogspot.com). Continuing to look forward. I'm thinking of changing how I do some of my blog posts. It would not be an all the time thing... like I said I'm thinking about it.
This weekend I am doing a professional photo shoot of my handmade goods. I'm really excited about it, but the weather may not cooperate.  So I'm playing it by ear at the moment.
I've lost my phone. It's not the phone itself that bothers me, it's the inability to remember.
I have a HUGE itch to go to Vegas. I can't even stand it really.
As for school... apparently I have a talent for this graphic design stuff. Personally, I feel like I am just now getting the hang of it. I know that my creative/crafty/artsy background helps. I make it a point to do something creative everyday. Whether it's writing, dance or playing with yarn and fabric. I feel that it feeds it's self that way.
There was more I was going to tackle, but I've seem to forgotten it. Next time I'll make a note.

Starts today!

The Monthly Give-Aways Start This Month!
For the month of February the give-away will always be special since it's my birthday month! The 2nd, 12th and 26th commenter will win a beanie or scarf of their choice. 

Annoucing!

I am not a yarn snob.

I'm not. And proudly so. I will used craft store brands as readily as the brands carried by my local yarn shop (the Needlepoint Joint). I love it all, and it all has it's place. I will use either or both depending on the project. Besides, all yarn companies release and discontinue yarns. Which means, if I can't find it in one line then I can probably find some similar if not a dead ringer in another line.

It's not turkey.

Warm Salmon and Spinach Salad.

You will need:
1 tablespoon butter or oil
Salmon (enough to feed however many)
Spinach
Zuccini
Mushrooms
And any other vegetables you like.
Salt, Pepper, and other seasonings to taste
Italian Dressing

To make:
Place your spinach in your bowl. This will bed your other ingredients. Chop the vegetables,  try for consistent sizing. Set aside. Next, pan fry your salmon in the oil or butter ( I would imagine that your favorite fish could be used as well). Season it to taste. Once done place on the spinach bed. Next, add your veggies to the pan, sauté. Once cooked, top your salmon and spinach.  Finish with the Italian Dressing.

Enjoy!

What's New Now

This is a peak at one of the new items to my line. It's a small project bag, that can be used as a gift bag, to keep notions or other small trinkets.

I'm thrilled! I have another great opportunity coming up.. I don't want to give to much away just yet because it won't come to fruition for a couple months. But Yes! I am Excited!

Turkey Stuff Formula

I am not much of a recipe person. I'm a lot better at formulas and then adjusting to whatnot. So here's the formula for Turkey Stuff:

Cooking oil
Ground Turkey
Vegetables (at least 2, I used zucchini and mushrooms)
Salt ( I like kosher)
Pepper ( I like lemon pepper for this)
Any other spices to taste
Rice (you can use what you like)
Liquid for deglazing( water, wine, diluted soy sauce, what have you)
Begin by starting the rice because it will take longer to cook than the rest.
Next over medium heat in the fry pan of your choice add your ground turkey. Let that brown. Chop your vegetables, be sure you check on the turkey frequently so it doesn't burn. Once veggies are chopped, add them to the pan. Stir together, add seasonings and then let cook for a few minutes. Come back to it occasionally to stir. Once everything has nice color pour in your liquid. Stir frequently to be sure everything is blended well. Once you pan is done, turn off heat. Let rest till rice is ready.
To serve: place rice in serving dish, add turkey and veggies on top.

Easy, right! That's the point. I don't have a whole lot of time to cook so I like everything easy and have no issue with taking help from the grocery store. Just make sure you make it your own.

It's still January..

The days are starting to lengthen, a definite bright spot. I am very sick of the cold.  At this exact moment,  I am starting tying together fabric strips to so I can then spin them into a bag. I then plan to get to my sewing, and laundry. Tomorrow, the game plan is tentatively to do some photography, list new items on etsy, house chores, and work some more on my art and crafts. I teach tomorrow. Aerial Basics and Intermediate. I love teaching. I love that I get to teach. Dance is one of my favorite creative outlets. Then again, I love all of my creative outlets.
My daughter is talking more and more. She amazes me daily. Just today she decided that her sunglasses belong upside-down on her face.  She can sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Ring around the Rosie" word for word. Minus her the letter S. She doesn't pronounce the letter s if it's the first letter in the word.
Does anyone out there play those damned Facebook game? Goodness they are addicting!  I'll post some of my most recent photos tomorrow.

First weekend back...

I'm back at work dancing. This was a difficult decision to come to. I really enjoyed the time away. I love being able to focus and work on things that have been long ignored. But during this time I also realized that to achieve the goals that I want to accomplish I cannot do it without the income that dancing provides. It is not the 'amazing' money eluded to by the media at large. Especially where I live. But it's the best I can do within my circumstances. It offers flexible adjustable hours with a decent amount of money. I have a small goal set to get as much done in the next 4 months as possible. I will do my damnedest to get there.

Business Wish List Revised

I had been thinking about my business wishlist a fair bit lately. I thought I look back on that original post (see below) and update it. The updating thing really stuck in my head after wandering around Joann's  today. In no particular order:

- That building I've had dreams about on 25th St
- Printer, preferably wireless, not larger than 12x12 that can handle photo quality
- Professional Organizer and Storage System
- Funding to get my business going  on the level I'd really like
- A full set of Prismacolor Colored Pencils and Watercolor Pencils
- Cricut Expression Machine + Jukebox + Gypsy + any other gadgets that go with it
- Quilting foot for my sewing machine and more bobbins
- More paints (acrylic, watercolor and fabric), dyes, stamp pads (both dye based and pigment) and other accouterments related to the transfer of color to paper/fabric/canvas/clay/etc
- A set of Pigma Micron and Brush pens
- More Zig Memory System Writer Pens
- Xyron Sticker Machines
- Crop-a-dile II
- Paper and other air dry clays
- Other miscellaneous art and craft supplies
- Loads of epherma
- Etc

I'm greedy. This list is more for my sake. I don't expect these things to fall out of the sky and into my happy lap. I'd like it to.  There are some changes in store. So let's see how it goes.
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I've been thinking about everything that I could use for my businesses to grow, and here's what I've come up with so far:

1. a laptop with amazing memory (checked off the list) and a wireless printer.

2. hire a professional organizer to get my studio space straightened out.

3. grant money so I can get the supplies I need to work on my art and accessories

This is a very basic needs list, and I'm sure it will all change as things go on.

I'm going to go back to school, for graphic arts and web design. I think learning those computer skills can open up more doors from me in multiple areas. Hopefully I can get enough financial aid.

Reflection and 'Preflection'

In closing out 2009, I am thinking about where I have been and where I am going. I am thinking about balance and going forward. I am also aware that going forward may mean taking a step or two, but I'll discuss that if or when it happens. I have learned a lot about myself this past year, and I really believe that I will take it with me into the future.
I am rediscovering art, design, craft, and creativity. This is an on going journey I have been on since 2006. I am going back to go forward. I always felt that being an artist was my calling, but I was journeying to find my form, my voice, and my niche. I'm still learning. My brain comes up with more ideas that I can possibly keep up with. One step at a time I will make my mark. I am thankful for the chance. I have learning to be brave and share what I do. My social skills with forever be a work in progress.
I have danced. I have sat. I laughed and cried. I have yelled and held my tongue. I have kissed in passion and kissed 'boo-boos'.  I am still growing into my roles as wife, mom, student, teacher, artist, crafter. I am in such a good place. Thank you for the blessings and lessons. I turn my face to the light, chasing down the dawn. For 2010, I hope for nothing but hope, love, and courage. I want to fill my life with love and bravery and grace.

On a lighter note: I found the fabric and WIPs. I took the time off from school to get some stuff done. Not as much as I had hope, but I got something done.