How was your weekend? Did you have fun? Relax? Catch up on sleep?
This weekend I didn't quite get done everything I wanted to. I had planned on taking pictures this weekend of new products while the weather was nice. Yeah, that didn't happen. Yesterday I was focused on getting orders done and today the sun was out for a total of 10 minutes. Oh well, I have next weekend.
But, most of my orders are done from last week and this weekend. I am currently working on the last one, but it is a bit more involved than I had anticipated. I am currently writing a pattern as I go for a balaclava for a customer since, as per usual, I can't find one that I like from the thousands of patterns out there. No biggie. I love a challenge. I'll post pictures once I'm done.
Until tomorrow,
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Friday, February 6, 2015
Favorite Designer: The Crafty Geekette
I am always looking for great designers. Some of my favorites very quickly become a staple in my shop.
Take my Keyhole Scarves – The pattern comes from a very talented designer by the name of Jacqualyn Walker, owner of The Crafty Geekette. Her crochet designs are fun and different. The Whimsey Keyhole Scarf is a great scarf because it works up very easy and it is a convenient design. The scarf is designed with a hole in one end, so the other end slip through, creating a scarf that stays in place. Perfect for kids and adults, it is small enough to fit in a coat pocket or a purse. To say I love this scarf design is an understatement. I’ve created variations where I alternate colors, and these scarves always sell out quickly.
Recently, Jacqualyn designed a cowl with the same design and I was lucky enough to test it for her. I made a cowl for my son and he loves it! He wears it every day in this chilly Minnesota weather and it is wide enough to cover his face. It is a cowl that can be made long or short.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Jacqualyn also has a hat, headband and boot cuff patterns using her Whimsey pattern.
The Crafty Geekette store can be seen at Ravelry.com (http://www.ravelry.com/
And of course, stop by her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Yarn
Anyone who knows me knows I love yarn. It is my favorite medium. I have found very few yarns that I do not like, for one reason or another. But, for the most part, I love yarn.
I also love free yarn. One of the attorneys I work for stops by my desk the other day and hands me a big bag of odd and ends yarn. I don't know what brand she gave me, but thank you!!!! I might have to make her a market bag or something.
Before I moved, I had yarn in just about every room in the apartment. Except my son's room and the bathroom. Yes, I had yarn in the kitchen area. I just didn't have room for it anywhere else. And now, I have my craft room, with wonderful shelves to help me organize my yarn. I still have yarn in the dining room and living room (my workstation). Go figure, huh?
When you love something, it is bound to take over your life.
Studies have shown that, as I put it, playing with yarn improves your general health, physically and mentally. The repetitive motion of each stitch helps with anxiety issues and OCD tendencies. Feeling depressed and overwhelmed? Crocheting and knitting can help with these, by emptying your mind as you calmly work through a pattern. Only concentrate on the pattern. The softness of the yarn can be very comforting, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Crocheting and knitting can also decrease memory loss. Who knew?
Sure it can be frustrating in the beginning as you are just learning stitches, and even infuriating when you find a mistake you made several rows back. But, I tell you, I feel all the stress of the day melt away when I frog (tear out) a pattern to my mistake, then spend the next few minutes (okay, a lot of minutes) winding that yarn back on the skein and unraveling all the tangles.
There are a lot of health benefits to having a hobby like mine. And, if you just want to knit or crochet and not sell your items, you can always donate them to a local shelter. Hats, mittens, blankets and toys are always welcome.
I also love free yarn. One of the attorneys I work for stops by my desk the other day and hands me a big bag of odd and ends yarn. I don't know what brand she gave me, but thank you!!!! I might have to make her a market bag or something.
Before I moved, I had yarn in just about every room in the apartment. Except my son's room and the bathroom. Yes, I had yarn in the kitchen area. I just didn't have room for it anywhere else. And now, I have my craft room, with wonderful shelves to help me organize my yarn. I still have yarn in the dining room and living room (my workstation). Go figure, huh?
When you love something, it is bound to take over your life.
Studies have shown that, as I put it, playing with yarn improves your general health, physically and mentally. The repetitive motion of each stitch helps with anxiety issues and OCD tendencies. Feeling depressed and overwhelmed? Crocheting and knitting can help with these, by emptying your mind as you calmly work through a pattern. Only concentrate on the pattern. The softness of the yarn can be very comforting, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Crocheting and knitting can also decrease memory loss. Who knew?
Sure it can be frustrating in the beginning as you are just learning stitches, and even infuriating when you find a mistake you made several rows back. But, I tell you, I feel all the stress of the day melt away when I frog (tear out) a pattern to my mistake, then spend the next few minutes (okay, a lot of minutes) winding that yarn back on the skein and unraveling all the tangles.
There are a lot of health benefits to having a hobby like mine. And, if you just want to knit or crochet and not sell your items, you can always donate them to a local shelter. Hats, mittens, blankets and toys are always welcome.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Fight Like a Girl
This year’s Superbowl featured a commercial from Always talking about how “Like a Girl” should not be derogatory, but praise. I agree. “You fight like a girl” has always been an insult when told to young men. Let me tell you – women are tough.
However, with all the media trying to lift the self-esteem of young girls, shouldn’t we be trying to lift the self-esteem of all children, regardless of gender? Young boys need self-esteem as much as young girls. Girls have all these programs to lift their self-esteem and get them interested in math and science. What do boys have? Sure, inner city and at risk youth have athletic programs to put them in touch with mentors, but what if your child isn’t interested in traditional sports?
Through my connections in the dance world, I know several studios offer partial scholarships to boys to attend their dance classes. They are often paired in a mentor-type program with an older boy who encourages the younger in his pursuit of dance. But not all studios offer this and in many communities, boys are bullied when they show an interest in dancing, even though some classes are just as physically grueling as a football or soccer practice. Go watch an advanced tap or clogging class.
Young boys are often bullied if they don’t fall into the “normal” sports world, ie football, soccer, hockey, baseball, etc. My community is big on hockey, and despite being a show choir community as well, if you are not involved in hockey or another acceptable sport, people look down on you.
How about instead of looking down on these families, you encourage them. So a son isn’t interested in traditional sports – what if he is an amazing artist or chef? Encourage this. Chess club or mathlete? Mind you, these two activities can be very cutthroat, just as any other competitive sports, but why don’t we have a mentorship program for these? High school student athletes often help out in younger recreational leagues as assistant coaches or referees. Why can’t the same be true for other activities?
Why can’t we just encourage a child, regardless of gender, to follow their dreams? If a young girl wants to play football, what’s stopping her? She will work just as hard as any other player on that team, sometimes harder, just to make the team and earn the respect of a coach. I tell my son every day, “You have to practice more and dance better than the girls on your team, because the judges’ eyes are drawn to you being the only boy.” Encourage a young chess player, regardless of gender.
Here’s my challenge – ask your child what they truly want to do. Not what you think they should do in order to be accepted by the community around you. What do they want to do? What do they want to be when they grow up? My son wants to be a zookeeper. He loves animals of all shapes and sizes. I encourage this. We broke down what he needs to do in terms of school so he can be a zookeeper. He needs to get his science grades up. He needs to read books on different types of animals. He will need to go to vet school and get an MBA. When he’s 16, he will start interning at a local vet clinic, helping clean cages and take care of animals. It is what he wants to do and I support him 100%.
He wants to dance as his after school activity. I take him to every single class he needs to take, extra practices. I watch his classes so I know what he needs to work on at home. I encourage my son in his efforts to be the best that he can be. If he were a little girl, I would be doing the exact same thing.
We shouldn’t pigeonhole a child into an activity because of their gender. A little girl who would rather mix chemicals in her EZbake oven instead of baking cookies or brownies should be supported. A young man who wants to play the flute or cello should be celebrated because he has a dream and the gift of music at his fingertips. A child who wants to go out for the local wrestling team should be given the opportunity, no matter the gender.
Celebrate the child and all their possibilities.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The Best Possible You
I was watching Joel Osteen the other day. Don’t ask me why – I usually don’t tune into the religious shows. But episode/message really struck home for me.
Joel was talking about having people in your life that will make you a better person, to be the best you possible. And to cut out the people who will drag you down or who don't support you. You don't need people in your life who doubt you. You need people who will encourage and support you.
Do you have those people in your life? The people who lift you up and just make you feel better when you are around them. They aren't negative all the time. They are genuinely interested in what you do and how your life is going? They don’t give unsolicited advice, but always there when you have a question or a problem. On the flip side, do you have people in your life who are negative? Who all they do is complain about their life, but seem to want you to share in that misery? Who always weigh you down with their baggage.
I admit – I can be the latter at times. I don’t enjoy my job. Some months I struggle to make ends meet. I complain about my ex. But is that the person I really want to be? It isn't.
I want to be the positive person. I want to be the person who can listen to a friend’s problems without getting involved, but can offer a supporting shoulder. I don’t want to be cut from someone’s life because of my negativity.
So, I am going to work on it. Work on both myself and take a look at the relationships I have in my life. Starting with Facebook. I have “acquaintances” who post pictures about drinking and partying. Yes, they are young, but do I want to be looking at that? Taking that part out, do they really uplift my life? Are they a positive influence on my life? If not, I’m going to unfriend them.
I’ve already left one Facebook crochet group this year because the posts in the group weren’t stimulating me. Yes, it was a group of people who care about each other and talk about their lives, with a little crochet thrown in, but nothing was motivating me to be a better crocheter or business owner. It only encouraged me to to post the bad things in my life, because that's all that people would comment on. So I left. I didn’t make a big deal, say goodbye or anything. I’m not going to bad mouth the group, because they are a terrific group of ladies and gentlemen, but it isn’t for me. it isn’t what I need in my life right now.
Are you willing to take the step? Are you willing to change your life for the better? I hope you say yes.
Start small. Start with posts on your Facebook feed today. Do you like these posts? Do you get something out of the post? Think about past posts from this person? Are they fun little posts that make you smile? Deep posts that make you think? Posts that make you want to take action? Sad posts that make you somehow feel uplifted? These are good posts. Keep these people in your life. They will motivate you.
Or are they negative posts with no substance to them at all? Do you find yourself just scrolling past these posts? These are bad posts that will do nothing for you.
You can control the people in your life and you can control what you see on your news feed on Facebook.
Just take note of those negative posts. Don’t do anything right now. We aren’t being rash. We are thinking about our choices. Keep a list if you want. Later I will discuss what we are going to do with this list.
Take the step to better your life this year. We are in February. February is a good time to start with action. January’s resolutions are gone and forgotten. February is a short month. A great month for cleaning. Clean your house, clean your life, clean your mind.
I encourage you to go on this journey with me. This is a new journey for me. I’m going to start a life with positive thinking and a positive attitude. I will be the friend my friends want to be with. To have in their life.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Superbowl!!
After a long hiatus, I decided I wanted to give blogging another try. There are so many things to talk about! It has been almost a full year since I last posted. For all those still around – Thank you!
Last night was the Superbowl. I’m not sure how many of you watched the game, but it was a good game. Despite the fact that my beloved Packers did not make it in. It wasn't a blow out – actually a nail biter at the end. It looked as though the Seahawks (or the SeaChickens as I call them at my house) would score a walk off touchdown and win. Alas, this wasn't the case and a rookie intercepted the pass in the endzone. A Rookie! As my brother would say – Give that rookie a chocolate chip cookie! We will forgive him the rookie mistake of trying to come out of the endzone. If he had been tackled in the endzone after the interception, it would have been considered a touchback and the Pats would have started on the 20 yard line instead of the 1.
And then there was the fight, with the instigating player being ejected with 18 seconds left in the game. Seriously – you are going to fight during the Superbowl with all those people watching? How dumb can you be? All in all – a good back and forth game. I was very pleased.
I’ve noticed that there are 2 kinds of fans who watch the Big Game when their team isn’t playing. They are either the vengeful sort – rooting for the opposite team of the one who knocked our team out of the playoffs. This was me. I will never, ever root for the SeaChickens. If the Lions or the Bears were to have made it into the Superbowl, I would have rooted for them, being from our conference, if they were deserving of it – ie The team worked their butts off to make it there. This year, that team was not Seattle. How does a quarterback make it to the Superbowl when at one point in the NFC championship game had a 0.00 quarterback rating? Against the league MVP???? They didn’t deserve that spot. The Packers lost the game – the Seahawks didn’t win it. The Packers gave it up.
The second type of fan is the one who roots for the team representing their division. There are diehard NFCers out there and diehard AFCers out there. Normally, I do root for the team who knocks either the Vikes or the Packers out of the playoffs – just because they deserve it. This year – I was the vengeful fan and rooted for the lesser of two evils. Way to go Pats.
Thus ends a very good football season. I made a lot of things during the various games. Tried new patterns, new yarn and new techniques. Now all the teams are in first place – probably the only time all next season when a particular team’s fans can say that. *coughVikescough*
Actually, I can’t be too hard on the Vikes. Yes, I do root for them when they don’t play my Packers because, after all, I am in Minnesota country and that’s all anyone ever talks about. And they have a great coach in Mike Zimmer. Norv and Scott Turner are a great 1-2 punch when it comes to coaching the offense. Teddy Bridgewater won a Rookie of the Year distinction and seems to be coming along very nicely. Yes, they have their flaws. Peterson being out for the year didn’t help. You have guards and tackles jumping offsides. That needs to stop. It’s precision and discipline. Go back to the fundamentals and work on them in the off season. And for Pete’s sake – get Audie Cole off the practice squad! He has proved time and time again how he can be a playmaker and spell Greenway.
Okay – there’s my football post until next season.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Giveaway time - or almost
I have 931 fans on my business Facebook page. When I reach 1000 fans, I will have a giveaway for one of my fabulous ruffle scarves.
http://www.facebook.com/jenstangledthreads
http://www.facebook.com/jenstangledthreads
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Shameless Self Promotion Sunday
Today is Sunday, which means it is Shameless Self Promotion Sunday on Twitter. If you have a shop, a blog, a FB page or anything else you wish to promote - today is the day. I will be taking to Twitter today to promote Zibbet and my shop. I retweet all Zibbet posts that I find. Be sure to include #ssps in all your posts and if you have a Zibbet shop, include #Zibbet in all your tweets. I will be sure to retweet them today as best I can.
Today's first act of SSPS is my set of 100% cotton washcloths. These are hand crocheted using 100% USA grown cotton. This listing is a set of 2 washcloths. And if you purchase today, you will receive a free gift!
Today's first act of SSPS is my set of 100% cotton washcloths. These are hand crocheted using 100% USA grown cotton. This listing is a set of 2 washcloths. And if you purchase today, you will receive a free gift!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Happy News
I am so happy to announce that the physical location of Jen's Tangled Threads will be moving! I have put in an offer on a house, and it was accepted! I am so excited! This just makes me want to get things going on the blog and with the shop.
In looking at my shop, things are successful in some ways. I am proud to say that my items are being featured in two shops in my hometown on consignment. I sell regularly to people I work with and to family. However, I need to build up my sales on my Zibbet site. I am hoping that regular posts from this blog with help with that.
I also have Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. Through these I hope to bring more visitors to my Zibbet page and blog.
So I pose this question to my friends - How do you make your blog successful? Do these translate into success with your other webpages? I invite you to share your experiences.
In looking at my shop, things are successful in some ways. I am proud to say that my items are being featured in two shops in my hometown on consignment. I sell regularly to people I work with and to family. However, I need to build up my sales on my Zibbet site. I am hoping that regular posts from this blog with help with that.
I also have Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. Through these I hope to bring more visitors to my Zibbet page and blog.
So I pose this question to my friends - How do you make your blog successful? Do these translate into success with your other webpages? I invite you to share your experiences.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday's Featured Seller - Sweet Freedom
Today's featured seller is Sweet Freedom (http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom). She makes beautiful jewelry and sells on Zibbet.
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
Before I began designing jewelry full time in 2007, I had worked for many years in a corporate job that stifled my creativity, and was a really bad fit for me. I finally decided to leave that environment and do what I wanted to do, and "Sweet Freedom Designs" was born of the instant freedom I felt!
I sold online for years on another venue, but after a series of small "creative differences" with its management, push came to shove in October, 2013, when that venue decided to "redefine handmade" in a way that I could not support or be party to. Zibbet seemed like a good fit, so here I am!
You have beautiful jewelry. Where do you get your inspiration for them?
Thanks! I find inspiration in different places:
Colors: either the colors of the beads I'm working with, or colors I've spotted somewhere around me.
Textures: I love creating complicated statement pieces, like http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479951, where I was inspired by both the colors AND the textures in the raku cabochon, and paired soft green eyelash yarn with the hard, volcanic appearance and feel of the raku; and
http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479931, where I heated the copper to make it soft, curled and folded it, then placed soft copper mesh inside as a counterpoint. I like playing with different textures, and with unexpected textures. And it's fun to take beads and actually CREATE textures with them, like this necklace: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479964
Shapes and Patterns: I love playing with different shapes and patterns, like the stars in this design: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479974 and the Greek Keys in this bracelet: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479962; and, of course, Hearts - I have always been fascinated with hearts, and they find their way into a lot of my designs.
Who are your favorite suppliers? I go to gem shows a couple of times a year, and purchase from various vendors. I like to hand pick my beads and findings (if I don't make them myself), so I rarely purchase supplies online, although I have cultivated friendships with a couple of extremely talented lampwork and raku artisans over the years, and often use their beads and cabochons in my designs.
I make a lot of my own beads, findings, and components, everything from enameled beads and findings to metal pieces to dichroic glass to beadwoven toggles and beads - it's fun to be able to create the perfect piece you need for a design! My handmade jewelry supplies are available on Zibbet, too: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetSupplies
What is the secret to your pictures?
I have a popup light tent with 3 powerful photography spotlights (purchased years ago on eBay) - I use this for ALL my pictures unless I am photographing a piece on my life size mannequin (since she won't fit in the light tent). I have spent hours online reading and trying different tips for photos, and am still learning! I use the macro and supermacro settings on my camera, and take multiple shots of each pic, varying the exposure up and down to ensure (hopefully) that when I get to the editing phase, I'll have the right light for each shot. I probably take 45 to 50 shots, minimum, for each listing. I used to take a lot more, until I discovered the white balance menu (and how to use it) on the camera - this has allowed me to get the pretty white backgrounds I prefer, which previously had always looked either grey or yellow.
Do you take custom orders? I do a LOT of custom work in my B&M bead shop, where I also sell my jewelry. It's so easy to walk around the shop with the customer, and choose beads, findings, etc, and talk about the desired result, get measurements, and gauge expectations.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where? I sell at my B&M bead shop (YaYa Beads, Augusta GA)
Any last words for the reading audience? (ie, words of wisdom for a new crafter/seller, anything you want to say about your products)
My designs tend to one of a kind; I enjoy making statement pieces, and purchase (or make) my unusual focal pieces individually, so my designs don't lend themselves to being recreated. I design for myself, and I don't really think I have one particular style. I don't think I could be happy creating multiple copies of a design - I get bored too easily! My design philosophy is "make what you like; if you don't like what you're doing, move on!"
Thanks for taking the time to sit down and answer our questions. You can find Sweet Freedom and her wonderful jewelry at http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom.
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
Before I began designing jewelry full time in 2007, I had worked for many years in a corporate job that stifled my creativity, and was a really bad fit for me. I finally decided to leave that environment and do what I wanted to do, and "Sweet Freedom Designs" was born of the instant freedom I felt!
I sold online for years on another venue, but after a series of small "creative differences" with its management, push came to shove in October, 2013, when that venue decided to "redefine handmade" in a way that I could not support or be party to. Zibbet seemed like a good fit, so here I am!
You have beautiful jewelry. Where do you get your inspiration for them?
Thanks! I find inspiration in different places:
Colors: either the colors of the beads I'm working with, or colors I've spotted somewhere around me.
Textures: I love creating complicated statement pieces, like http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479951, where I was inspired by both the colors AND the textures in the raku cabochon, and paired soft green eyelash yarn with the hard, volcanic appearance and feel of the raku; and
http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479931, where I heated the copper to make it soft, curled and folded it, then placed soft copper mesh inside as a counterpoint. I like playing with different textures, and with unexpected textures. And it's fun to take beads and actually CREATE textures with them, like this necklace: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479964
Shapes and Patterns: I love playing with different shapes and patterns, like the stars in this design: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479974 and the Greek Keys in this bracelet: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479962; and, of course, Hearts - I have always been fascinated with hearts, and they find their way into a lot of my designs.
Who are your favorite suppliers? I go to gem shows a couple of times a year, and purchase from various vendors. I like to hand pick my beads and findings (if I don't make them myself), so I rarely purchase supplies online, although I have cultivated friendships with a couple of extremely talented lampwork and raku artisans over the years, and often use their beads and cabochons in my designs.
I make a lot of my own beads, findings, and components, everything from enameled beads and findings to metal pieces to dichroic glass to beadwoven toggles and beads - it's fun to be able to create the perfect piece you need for a design! My handmade jewelry supplies are available on Zibbet, too: http://www.zibbet.com/SweetSupplies
What is the secret to your pictures?
I have a popup light tent with 3 powerful photography spotlights (purchased years ago on eBay) - I use this for ALL my pictures unless I am photographing a piece on my life size mannequin (since she won't fit in the light tent). I have spent hours online reading and trying different tips for photos, and am still learning! I use the macro and supermacro settings on my camera, and take multiple shots of each pic, varying the exposure up and down to ensure (hopefully) that when I get to the editing phase, I'll have the right light for each shot. I probably take 45 to 50 shots, minimum, for each listing. I used to take a lot more, until I discovered the white balance menu (and how to use it) on the camera - this has allowed me to get the pretty white backgrounds I prefer, which previously had always looked either grey or yellow.
Do you take custom orders? I do a LOT of custom work in my B&M bead shop, where I also sell my jewelry. It's so easy to walk around the shop with the customer, and choose beads, findings, etc, and talk about the desired result, get measurements, and gauge expectations.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where? I sell at my B&M bead shop (YaYa Beads, Augusta GA)
Any last words for the reading audience? (ie, words of wisdom for a new crafter/seller, anything you want to say about your products)
My designs tend to one of a kind; I enjoy making statement pieces, and purchase (or make) my unusual focal pieces individually, so my designs don't lend themselves to being recreated. I design for myself, and I don't really think I have one particular style. I don't think I could be happy creating multiple copies of a design - I get bored too easily! My design philosophy is "make what you like; if you don't like what you're doing, move on!"
Thanks for taking the time to sit down and answer our questions. You can find Sweet Freedom and her wonderful jewelry at http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Brand New Monday
This weekend has been busy around Zibbet. A lot of new listings, new shops and new friends. Let's get started, shall we?
Our first feature is this lovely rosary from Shelly's Rosaries (http://www.zibbet.com/ShellysRosaries). These beautiful cats eye beads add an elegance to the rosary.
This beautiful black and white chunky infinity scarf comes from Whimsy by Amanda (http://www.zibbet.com/WhimsyByAmanda).
These gorgeous bags are from Knits N More (http://www.zibbet.com/KnitsNMore)
This old world journal comes from The Altered Diaries (http://www.zibbet.com/TheAlteredDiaries).
My friend, Beth, has done it again in the cuteness. These cupcake toppers can be found at her shop, Bethie's Cards (http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards)
These are just a few of the many things listed this weekend. Stop by http://www.zibbet.com to see more.
Our first feature is this lovely rosary from Shelly's Rosaries (http://www.zibbet.com/ShellysRosaries). These beautiful cats eye beads add an elegance to the rosary.
This beautiful black and white chunky infinity scarf comes from Whimsy by Amanda (http://www.zibbet.com/WhimsyByAmanda).
These gorgeous bags are from Knits N More (http://www.zibbet.com/KnitsNMore)
This old world journal comes from The Altered Diaries (http://www.zibbet.com/TheAlteredDiaries).
My friend, Beth, has done it again in the cuteness. These cupcake toppers can be found at her shop, Bethie's Cards (http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards)
These are just a few of the many things listed this weekend. Stop by http://www.zibbet.com to see more.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Friday's Featured Seller - Fantasy Clay
Today's featured seller is Susan from Fantasy Clay (http://www.zibbet.com/FantasyClay). She makes wonderfully items from clay. This one has to be my favorite!
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
I first opened my shop when lifetime accounts were offered in 2009. I had listed items but didn't really get started selling here until this summer.The name came as juxtaposition of my different interests, I was really into dragons and magical creatures.
You have such interesting characters you've made. Where do you get your inspiration for them?
I love making characters, sometimes it feels that I am just giving shape to what's already there. All too often, the characters seem to have their own personalities even before they are done.
Who are your favorite suppliers?
I can say my favorite brand of polymer clay is Premo and it is availalble widely. However PolymerclayExpress.com is the best place to buy it, they are one of only 3 sites that carry 2 basic colors that were discontinued for general supply.
What is the secret to your pictures?
Good editing. I do my best to take good shots but no matter how hard I try, I always need to play around a bit with Paintshop.
Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I'm always open to custom orders. All of my cake toppers are custom made but I am always open to custom requests of any sort. Most of my cake toppers are wrestling based and that came from one custom order several years ago. I knew nothing about wrestling but decided to try it. After the first one, I kept getting requests for them and different poses. I never would of thought of wrestling cake toppers.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
I still have a shop on Etsy, I keep it stocked but basically I don't promote it at all.
Any sales coming up?
Right now I have a customer order for a cake topper with the bride sitting on the groom's shoulder, wresting styles as well as some custom designs for groom as his favorite wrestler.
Any last words for the reading audience?
I'd say create what you love, use materials that make you feel good. I love the feel of clay in my hands. The coolest thing is when you find a product that no one else is offering. You need to keep moving forward, things change, you need to change.
Thank you, Susan! I can't wait to see what else you create!
If you would like to be a featured seller on my blog, please feel free to contact me with your web address.
Happy Friday!
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
I first opened my shop when lifetime accounts were offered in 2009. I had listed items but didn't really get started selling here until this summer.The name came as juxtaposition of my different interests, I was really into dragons and magical creatures.
You have such interesting characters you've made. Where do you get your inspiration for them?
I love making characters, sometimes it feels that I am just giving shape to what's already there. All too often, the characters seem to have their own personalities even before they are done.
Who are your favorite suppliers?
I can say my favorite brand of polymer clay is Premo and it is availalble widely. However PolymerclayExpress.com is the best place to buy it, they are one of only 3 sites that carry 2 basic colors that were discontinued for general supply.
What is the secret to your pictures?
Good editing. I do my best to take good shots but no matter how hard I try, I always need to play around a bit with Paintshop.
Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I'm always open to custom orders. All of my cake toppers are custom made but I am always open to custom requests of any sort. Most of my cake toppers are wrestling based and that came from one custom order several years ago. I knew nothing about wrestling but decided to try it. After the first one, I kept getting requests for them and different poses. I never would of thought of wrestling cake toppers.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
I still have a shop on Etsy, I keep it stocked but basically I don't promote it at all.
Any sales coming up?
Right now I have a customer order for a cake topper with the bride sitting on the groom's shoulder, wresting styles as well as some custom designs for groom as his favorite wrestler.
Any last words for the reading audience?
I'd say create what you love, use materials that make you feel good. I love the feel of clay in my hands. The coolest thing is when you find a product that no one else is offering. You need to keep moving forward, things change, you need to change.
Thank you, Susan! I can't wait to see what else you create!
If you would like to be a featured seller on my blog, please feel free to contact me with your web address.
Happy Friday!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Trying Something New
Today I started something new - a ruffle purse. Now, I'm not using a traditional pattern. Instead, I am taking a pattern of a different purse that I like and I'm adding my own spin. I've done this before with my reusable grocery bag pattern and Flip-Fur pattern. But this is the first time I've done it with knitting. This is what I have so far:
I have also decided that I am going to make a piece and enter it into the Minnesota State Fair.
This is the year to try something new. What is your something new?
I have also decided that I am going to make a piece and enter it into the Minnesota State Fair.
This is the year to try something new. What is your something new?
Monday, January 27, 2014
Brand New Monday
Happy Monday!!!! Sorry this post is a little late in the evening. I have been doing taxes. I hope everyone is nice and warm. Minnesota is going through another cold snap.
These gorgeous dragonfly earrings are courteous of my friend Katie at Fripparie (http://www.zibbet.com/fripparie) who specializes in Steampunk jewelry for men and women.
Meet Ella - the newest addition to Min and Moots (http://www.zibbet.com/MinandMoots). She is handstitched with love and will be a fun playmate for any little girl over 3.
This quilled blue heron from Joan's Crafts (http://www.zibbet.com/Joanscrafts) will be perfect in your scrapbook.
This pink sparkly owl is the latest creation by Bethies Cards (http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards).
Are you a lover of jellies? Check out these Cream Sherry Jellies from Mountain Rose Foods (http://www.zibbet.com/MountainRoseFoods)
That's all for today. Zibbet continues to grow every day with a wider variety of shops and products. Stop by today and find that perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine's Day.
These gorgeous dragonfly earrings are courteous of my friend Katie at Fripparie (http://www.zibbet.com/fripparie) who specializes in Steampunk jewelry for men and women.
Meet Ella - the newest addition to Min and Moots (http://www.zibbet.com/MinandMoots). She is handstitched with love and will be a fun playmate for any little girl over 3.
This quilled blue heron from Joan's Crafts (http://www.zibbet.com/Joanscrafts) will be perfect in your scrapbook.
This pink sparkly owl is the latest creation by Bethies Cards (http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards).
Are you a lover of jellies? Check out these Cream Sherry Jellies from Mountain Rose Foods (http://www.zibbet.com/MountainRoseFoods)
That's all for today. Zibbet continues to grow every day with a wider variety of shops and products. Stop by today and find that perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine's Day.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Selling online
I sell my crochet and knit items online. It is a way for me to earn extra money outside of my day job as a paralegal. I enjoy knitting and crocheting - it is my stress reliever. I am always working with yarn, whether at home after a stressful day or I'm at the dance studio while my son takes class. I am at the studio 4 nights a week. That is a lot of down time. And I'm not the type of person to sit still. I have to be doing something.
One day, not long ago, I decided not to take my yarn with me to the studio. I sat there with a friend of mine and I was so bored!!!!! Not from talking to my friend, which is always fun, but because I wasn't doing anything productive. Never again, let me tell you.
I also crochet and knit at home while watching tv. I watch a lot of tv and movies. But, again, I can't sit still. I have to be doing something. I am a multitasker. It is even difficult for me to just sit and eat a meal without doing something else, even watching tv. So I use my meal time as a way to catch up on my social media, chat with friends all around the world. Look for new patterns.
So I make a lot of stuff. My apartment is full of finished products, half finished products, yarn, patterns, etc. You name it, I probably have it somewhere tucked away. I do sell at craft shows and I do relatively well. But I can't do craft shows every weekend, as much as I would like to. I just don't have the time to do that, and work, and raise my son. That and I don't have products that are good to sell all year, unless you count my ruffle scarves. I'm slowly getting there. Branching out, if you will.
So, I sell online. After all, there is always cold weather somewhere, right?
I started off on E, and I started many, many years ago. At first I sold my Aes Sedai shawls. Or at least, I attempted to. None of them sold and I was wasting my money on listing fees. So I took a break and experimented with yarn and patterns. After awhile I came up with my Flip-Furs and started selling those, which actually sold to a certain extent. I started making more things and listing them and I was selling sporadically. I had my busy times and slow times. No biggie, right? I was happy to a certain extent.
Then E started to change policy. Resellers have always been a problem on E. They pop up all over the place, all of a sudden with a ton of sales. How are they doing this? I have yet to figure that out. And we, as a community, are supposed to police for E and report such shops. Sometimes they get shut down, sometimes not.
Then E got the bright idea to allow shops to grow and hire manufacturers to help make a part of their product. Okay, not bad. After all, as a seller online, you often are working 20 hours a day if you are successful. Filling orders instead of spending time with family. Some sellers just have that luck in business. And they deserve it. I'm not saying they don't. And they hire help on the side for invoicing, packaging, product descriptions, etc. Anything but creating the actual product. Well, this policy allows them to outsource some of their work. Great! Yay! I have no problem with this. Allow your sellers to grow. Because if you don't, they will leave E and set up their own shops and hire help anyway. Keep the money flowing in.
But now they are allowing straight up manufacturers to come in and sell their products. Products made in sweat shops. And you are allowing them to categorize their products as "handmade". This is what I have a problem with. This is what many sellers have a problem with and they, like myself, start looking for other venues. I do not want to sell my handcrafted products that I am very proud of next to cheap, foreign manufacturer made junk that sells for pennies compared to my prices. My prices are not that high to begin with, but I still price my stuff to take into account supply costs, the difficulty of the product to make and my time spent. And I am certainly not going to stay at a place that calls these cheap products handmade. Because they aren't.
So I moved to Zibbet. Zibbet is certainly smaller than E, but it is growing. There is a great community of people who are willing to help you, talk to you, share their own trials and mistakes. There is a chat room where I am often hanging out in while crocheting or knitting. And I have made sales. Sales where I did not have to play games to earn like I did on E. I let my products speak for themselves. I promote on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. Half of my sales so far have come from people who have signed up for a Zibbet account the day they purchased from me. My products are getting found.
Comparing E to Z. E charges a 20 cent listing fee for every listing. Each listing is only good for 3 months. Then you have to relist your item, and that's another 20 cents. Then, for ever product you sell, they take a commission. If you have Direct Checkout where customers can use their credit card instead of Paypal, that's another commission. If the customer uses Paypal, that is another commission out of your listing price.
Zibbet - no commission off what you sell. Zibbet has 2 options - a free account or a paid premier account. With the free account, you can list up to 50 items. Still, no commission except for Paypal. A great way to see if Zibbet is the right venue for you. I have a premier account. Right now you can lock in a yearly fee of $79 for a year for life. Your membership fee will never go up. But there are only a few of these memberships left. With the premier account, you can list as many products as you want. You get more options with the premier account, as well, such as more pictures, the ability to put a section or your whole shop on sale, create coupons. And you have your CEOs/founders who are always in the forums answering your questions. They have a support guru in Vicki, who answers your questions about glitches within 24 hours.
With Zibbet, if you ask people what you can do to get sales, they will tell you to work on your pictures, work on your SEO (search engine optimization), work on product descriptions, add more products. They won't tell you to join groups and promote within your groups. After all, are you trying to sell to people who make the exact thing you do? No. You are looking for the customer out there who will find you using Bing or Google or any number of other search engines. Yes, it is nice to sell to a fellow crafter. But with Zibbet, you don't have to play the heart game or the favorite game or have other people promote for you (if they feel like it). You promote yourself. After all, you made it. Who knows your product better than you?
Yes, Zibbet isn't as big as E. But it is growing. Every day new sellers come on board and open shops. Every day, new listings go up, which increases the amount of times Zibbet appears in search engines. There is a wonderful gal name Kristin from Bellagems61 who has a listing challenge. She tells us how many listings there are and how many sellers are active. Yes, there are groups you can join who can help you with your questions, but you don't have to join them. You don't even have to join the community (although, why wouldn't you - it is a great place!)
Yes, there are other venues that I haven't explored. I even thought about having my own stand alone website. But they weren't the right fit for me. Zibbet is wonderful and I am happy to say I am a premier shop owner.
You can find me and my products at http://www.jenstangledthreads.com. Yes, it opens to my Zibbet page. If you have any questions on Zibbet, let me know.
One day, not long ago, I decided not to take my yarn with me to the studio. I sat there with a friend of mine and I was so bored!!!!! Not from talking to my friend, which is always fun, but because I wasn't doing anything productive. Never again, let me tell you.
I also crochet and knit at home while watching tv. I watch a lot of tv and movies. But, again, I can't sit still. I have to be doing something. I am a multitasker. It is even difficult for me to just sit and eat a meal without doing something else, even watching tv. So I use my meal time as a way to catch up on my social media, chat with friends all around the world. Look for new patterns.
So I make a lot of stuff. My apartment is full of finished products, half finished products, yarn, patterns, etc. You name it, I probably have it somewhere tucked away. I do sell at craft shows and I do relatively well. But I can't do craft shows every weekend, as much as I would like to. I just don't have the time to do that, and work, and raise my son. That and I don't have products that are good to sell all year, unless you count my ruffle scarves. I'm slowly getting there. Branching out, if you will.
So, I sell online. After all, there is always cold weather somewhere, right?
I started off on E, and I started many, many years ago. At first I sold my Aes Sedai shawls. Or at least, I attempted to. None of them sold and I was wasting my money on listing fees. So I took a break and experimented with yarn and patterns. After awhile I came up with my Flip-Furs and started selling those, which actually sold to a certain extent. I started making more things and listing them and I was selling sporadically. I had my busy times and slow times. No biggie, right? I was happy to a certain extent.
Then E started to change policy. Resellers have always been a problem on E. They pop up all over the place, all of a sudden with a ton of sales. How are they doing this? I have yet to figure that out. And we, as a community, are supposed to police for E and report such shops. Sometimes they get shut down, sometimes not.
Then E got the bright idea to allow shops to grow and hire manufacturers to help make a part of their product. Okay, not bad. After all, as a seller online, you often are working 20 hours a day if you are successful. Filling orders instead of spending time with family. Some sellers just have that luck in business. And they deserve it. I'm not saying they don't. And they hire help on the side for invoicing, packaging, product descriptions, etc. Anything but creating the actual product. Well, this policy allows them to outsource some of their work. Great! Yay! I have no problem with this. Allow your sellers to grow. Because if you don't, they will leave E and set up their own shops and hire help anyway. Keep the money flowing in.
But now they are allowing straight up manufacturers to come in and sell their products. Products made in sweat shops. And you are allowing them to categorize their products as "handmade". This is what I have a problem with. This is what many sellers have a problem with and they, like myself, start looking for other venues. I do not want to sell my handcrafted products that I am very proud of next to cheap, foreign manufacturer made junk that sells for pennies compared to my prices. My prices are not that high to begin with, but I still price my stuff to take into account supply costs, the difficulty of the product to make and my time spent. And I am certainly not going to stay at a place that calls these cheap products handmade. Because they aren't.
So I moved to Zibbet. Zibbet is certainly smaller than E, but it is growing. There is a great community of people who are willing to help you, talk to you, share their own trials and mistakes. There is a chat room where I am often hanging out in while crocheting or knitting. And I have made sales. Sales where I did not have to play games to earn like I did on E. I let my products speak for themselves. I promote on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. Half of my sales so far have come from people who have signed up for a Zibbet account the day they purchased from me. My products are getting found.
Comparing E to Z. E charges a 20 cent listing fee for every listing. Each listing is only good for 3 months. Then you have to relist your item, and that's another 20 cents. Then, for ever product you sell, they take a commission. If you have Direct Checkout where customers can use their credit card instead of Paypal, that's another commission. If the customer uses Paypal, that is another commission out of your listing price.
Zibbet - no commission off what you sell. Zibbet has 2 options - a free account or a paid premier account. With the free account, you can list up to 50 items. Still, no commission except for Paypal. A great way to see if Zibbet is the right venue for you. I have a premier account. Right now you can lock in a yearly fee of $79 for a year for life. Your membership fee will never go up. But there are only a few of these memberships left. With the premier account, you can list as many products as you want. You get more options with the premier account, as well, such as more pictures, the ability to put a section or your whole shop on sale, create coupons. And you have your CEOs/founders who are always in the forums answering your questions. They have a support guru in Vicki, who answers your questions about glitches within 24 hours.
With Zibbet, if you ask people what you can do to get sales, they will tell you to work on your pictures, work on your SEO (search engine optimization), work on product descriptions, add more products. They won't tell you to join groups and promote within your groups. After all, are you trying to sell to people who make the exact thing you do? No. You are looking for the customer out there who will find you using Bing or Google or any number of other search engines. Yes, it is nice to sell to a fellow crafter. But with Zibbet, you don't have to play the heart game or the favorite game or have other people promote for you (if they feel like it). You promote yourself. After all, you made it. Who knows your product better than you?
Yes, Zibbet isn't as big as E. But it is growing. Every day new sellers come on board and open shops. Every day, new listings go up, which increases the amount of times Zibbet appears in search engines. There is a wonderful gal name Kristin from Bellagems61 who has a listing challenge. She tells us how many listings there are and how many sellers are active. Yes, there are groups you can join who can help you with your questions, but you don't have to join them. You don't even have to join the community (although, why wouldn't you - it is a great place!)
Yes, there are other venues that I haven't explored. I even thought about having my own stand alone website. But they weren't the right fit for me. Zibbet is wonderful and I am happy to say I am a premier shop owner.
You can find me and my products at http://www.jenstangledthreads.com. Yes, it opens to my Zibbet page. If you have any questions on Zibbet, let me know.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday's Featured Seller - Bellagems61
Today's featured Zibbet seller is Kristin from Bellagems61 (http://www.zibbet.com/Bellagems61) She is a seller of a variety of beautiful gemstones. She also is very active in the Zibbet community, hosting a listing challenge that keeps members up to date on the stats of Zibbet.
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
I started on Zibbet in August of last year. I closed my Artfire shop and was researching new locations for Bellagems61. Zibbet had the best reviews. I joined the community first and then opened the shop on August 28th.The name of my shop is pretty straight forward Bella ( beautiful in Italian) gems because that is what I sell and the 61 is actually the month and day I started the business June 1st.
I love the variety of stones you have. Where do you find them?
My stones come from several vendors that I work with. My Ethiopian opals are cut by a young man in India. He's family has been in the cutting business for three generations. He went to Ethiopian last year and bought rough directly from the mines.There are several other vendors I work with and they provide the other stones I carry in all three shops.
Who are your favorite suppliers?
I have two suppliers that have also become very good friends. The young man I mentioned Shahbaan is the same age as my son and we're very close. He actually calls me mom and we do have almost a parent child relationship. I also work with Brian who runs Pinnaclediamonds here on Zibbet. Brian and I have known each other for many years, he's great to work with. I talked him into joining Zibbet at the same time I joined.
You take wonderful pictures of your stones and jewels. What is your secret?
Taking pictures of gemstones is the least favorite part of owning the business. I use Corel paintshop pro for all my photos. It's great software allowing me to crop the pictures to the sizes you see in the shop. The best advice I ever got for taking good pictures was to use natural light when possible. I live in Florida so sunshine is usually available I use it whenever possible.
Do you take custom orders? Say a customer is looking for a particular stone.
I do take custom orders for any gem that a client might need. I've worked with many people over the years providing stones for their jewelry projects. My favorite client for a custom order was a young man who wanted to design an engagement ring for his girlfriend using stones mined in America. We ended up using a beautiful ruby from my home state of Montana.They were married last summer. I received a lovely thank you note from the bride which hangs in my office.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
Bellagems61 has three locations Zibbet,Etsy and Bonanza. Each shop has unique stones just for that site plus a core group of stones that they all carry.
Any sales coming up?
As for sales coming up I usually have a sale around Valentines Day so stop by and see what I come up with.
Any last words for the reading audience? (ie, words of wisdom for a new crafter/seller, anything you want to say about your products)
What I think is important for anyone new starting out is to be patient. It took many years for Bellagems61 to expand to the three shops I have now. Building a client base for each venue was also a choice I made that I'm happy with. I never compare one venue to another. I treat each site as a stand alone. It's served me well over the years.
Thank you for stopping by, Kristin. As you can see, I've found lots of pretty stones to feature. And she has so many more! Please feel free to stop by her shop and take a peek for yourself.
If you would like to be a featured artisan on my blog, please drop me a line. My featured seller spot is a regular feature on Fridays.
How did you get started on Zibbet? Where did your shop name come from?
I started on Zibbet in August of last year. I closed my Artfire shop and was researching new locations for Bellagems61. Zibbet had the best reviews. I joined the community first and then opened the shop on August 28th.The name of my shop is pretty straight forward Bella ( beautiful in Italian) gems because that is what I sell and the 61 is actually the month and day I started the business June 1st.
I love the variety of stones you have. Where do you find them?
My stones come from several vendors that I work with. My Ethiopian opals are cut by a young man in India. He's family has been in the cutting business for three generations. He went to Ethiopian last year and bought rough directly from the mines.There are several other vendors I work with and they provide the other stones I carry in all three shops.
Who are your favorite suppliers?
I have two suppliers that have also become very good friends. The young man I mentioned Shahbaan is the same age as my son and we're very close. He actually calls me mom and we do have almost a parent child relationship. I also work with Brian who runs Pinnaclediamonds here on Zibbet. Brian and I have known each other for many years, he's great to work with. I talked him into joining Zibbet at the same time I joined.
You take wonderful pictures of your stones and jewels. What is your secret?
Taking pictures of gemstones is the least favorite part of owning the business. I use Corel paintshop pro for all my photos. It's great software allowing me to crop the pictures to the sizes you see in the shop. The best advice I ever got for taking good pictures was to use natural light when possible. I live in Florida so sunshine is usually available I use it whenever possible.
Do you take custom orders? Say a customer is looking for a particular stone.
I do take custom orders for any gem that a client might need. I've worked with many people over the years providing stones for their jewelry projects. My favorite client for a custom order was a young man who wanted to design an engagement ring for his girlfriend using stones mined in America. We ended up using a beautiful ruby from my home state of Montana.They were married last summer. I received a lovely thank you note from the bride which hangs in my office.
Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
Bellagems61 has three locations Zibbet,Etsy and Bonanza. Each shop has unique stones just for that site plus a core group of stones that they all carry.
Any sales coming up?
As for sales coming up I usually have a sale around Valentines Day so stop by and see what I come up with.
Any last words for the reading audience? (ie, words of wisdom for a new crafter/seller, anything you want to say about your products)
What I think is important for anyone new starting out is to be patient. It took many years for Bellagems61 to expand to the three shops I have now. Building a client base for each venue was also a choice I made that I'm happy with. I never compare one venue to another. I treat each site as a stand alone. It's served me well over the years.
Thank you for stopping by, Kristin. As you can see, I've found lots of pretty stones to feature. And she has so many more! Please feel free to stop by her shop and take a peek for yourself.
If you would like to be a featured artisan on my blog, please drop me a line. My featured seller spot is a regular feature on Fridays.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Brand New Monday
My friends at Zibbet have been busy! So I'm happy to show you their new products!
Diana at Dusty's Little Sewing Room has been busy with her sewing machine. Check out this new microwave potato bag http://www.zibbet.com/DustysLittleSewingRoom/artwork?artworkId=2139015
Beth at Bethie's Cards has been working hard on the Easter cards. Get yours today before they run out! Isn't this chick card adorable? http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards/artwork?artworkId=2138790 She also has a great selection of Valentine's Day cards and St.Patrick's Day cards.
Katie at Fripparie has this beautiful upcycled spoon handle pendant necklace. Made from an antique spoon, the original detailing has been lovingly brought back. http://www.zibbet.com/fripparie/artwork?artworkId=2138789
This beautiful fabric horse from Artfully Made is a great toy for children. Not made for younger children, but it will be a faithful companion to your little horse lover. http://www.zibbet.com/ArtfullyMade/artwork?artworkId=2139768 Artfully Made has a great selection of fabric toys.
This beautiful bracelet is made by Sweet Freedom Designs. Made from Czech glass beads, freshwater pearls and seed beads, this bracelet will be brilliant against any outfit. http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479895
Thanks for shopping with me on this blustery day. If you want to be featured on my blog - send me a message. I'm off to create more beautiful fashions.
Diana at Dusty's Little Sewing Room has been busy with her sewing machine. Check out this new microwave potato bag http://www.zibbet.com/DustysLittleSewingRoom/artwork?artworkId=2139015
Beth at Bethie's Cards has been working hard on the Easter cards. Get yours today before they run out! Isn't this chick card adorable? http://www.zibbet.com/BethiesCards/artwork?artworkId=2138790 She also has a great selection of Valentine's Day cards and St.Patrick's Day cards.
Katie at Fripparie has this beautiful upcycled spoon handle pendant necklace. Made from an antique spoon, the original detailing has been lovingly brought back. http://www.zibbet.com/fripparie/artwork?artworkId=2138789
This beautiful fabric horse from Artfully Made is a great toy for children. Not made for younger children, but it will be a faithful companion to your little horse lover. http://www.zibbet.com/ArtfullyMade/artwork?artworkId=2139768 Artfully Made has a great selection of fabric toys.
This beautiful bracelet is made by Sweet Freedom Designs. Made from Czech glass beads, freshwater pearls and seed beads, this bracelet will be brilliant against any outfit. http://www.zibbet.com/SweetFreedom/artwork?artworkId=1479895
Thanks for shopping with me on this blustery day. If you want to be featured on my blog - send me a message. I'm off to create more beautiful fashions.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Friday's Featured Artisan - Creatures Northwest
Today we sit down with Anne from Creatures Northwest (http://www.zibbet.com/creaturesnorthwest). Anne creates these quirky, loveable creatures that I cannot get enough of. I'm always in her shop to see who the next creature is.
I initially started my shop on Etsy in 2008. However, when Etsy began allowing mass-produced items on their site, I moved to Zibbet. It’s important to me to sell on a site that honors true handmade. My shop name combines the creature aspect with the Pacific Northwest where I've lived for the last 13 years. So, it’s a combination of two of my loves: creating creatures and living in the Pacific Northwest.
2. I love your creatures. How did you start making them?
I’ve been sketching monsters and creatures since I was in the second grade. About 15 years ago, when I was in my late 20s, many of my friends started having babies. I wanted to create something special for the kids’ nurseries and decided to turn my creature sketches into multi-media plush monsters. My friends loved them and—in fact—often took the kiddo’s creature and put it next to their (the adult's) computer as a companion. (They said the kids were too little to appreciate them!) I realized that there is a market for teens and goofy adults to have plush companions. We all need someone to keep us company throughout the day. And they’re like pets: They listen, they don’t complain, and they offer their goofy happy presence.
3. Who are your favorite suppliers?
Because most of my creatures consist of 60-90% recycled materials, I don’t rely on traditional suppliers. Rather, I love thrift stores and garage sales where I can find wool sweaters, unusual buttons, old hardware, and costume jewelry. I like component parts (like vintage buttons) that have character and history; they help create a really unique end-product with a lot of personality.
4. You take wonderful pictures of your creatures. What is your secret?
Thank you! What’s interesting is that my creatures are like people—some are photogenic and some are not. When taking photos, I try to capture the essence in their eyes. I spend a lot of time playing around with button combinations to make sure their eyes have light and depth and personality to them. So, when taking photos, I attempt to capture them as I would a good friend—trying to capture the essence and personality more so than the physical reality.
5. Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I do. I ask that people give me two or three colors, a facial expression (goofy, sweet, crazy, happy, caffeinated, etc.) and a short description of the personality of the person who will be receiving the creature (their hobbies, interests, background, etc.) This helps guide me in the creation process. I really enjoy working within creative parameters given to me by others.
6. Do you sell outside of Zibbet? If so, Where?
Not currently, although I do promote my creatures on a variety of sites.
7. Any sales coming up?
I hope so! Sales come in clusters and there doesn’t seem to be a science to it. Sales are wonderful, of course, but making the creatures is a passion and a meditation for me, so while sales help cover my time and supplies, they are secondary to the pleasure I get from the creation process. Right now, I have too many creatures in stock and I am in the process of donating quite a few to a local organization that serves children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. It makes me really happy to offer something like this to people who can use a goofy companion during difficult times.
8. Any last words for the reading audience?
I’d say two things:
~ My creatures are like people: Perfectly imperfect in their weird & wonderful eccentricities.
~ If you want to create, create. If you think you can’t, you’re wrong! Get some crayons or fingerpaints or clay or yarn and play, play, play. Be silly, be goofy, take risks, and act like a kid. Don’t worry about the final product. Whether you sell your creations or not, the creative process is good for the soul.
Thank you so much, Anne for taking the time to sit down with us. Best of luck to you and your shop (http://www.zibbet.com/creaturesnorthwest).
If you would like to be a featured artisan, please feel free to contact me.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Twitter Tuesday
This is my first Twitter Tuesday. I am going to pick out some of my favorite Tweets, Zibbet related or not. You can follow me on Twitter - @JTangledthreads
Headband with Ties Blue Lily Print by #Cozy on #Zibbet http://ow.ly/sxVJt #group2020 Such a pretty floral print and it's one of a kind.
JJ California Surfer pin/brooch pewter by DollHerUp on Zibbet http://www.zibbet.com/DollHerUp/artwork?artworkId=1751895 …
Checking out "Set of 2 embroidered Lighthouse white bath hand towels" on Zibbet's Community: http://j.mp/L2RNYZ
And my non-Zibbet Tweet of the day retweeted by one of my favorite Vikings players, Brian Robison:
Monday, January 13, 2014
Brand New Monday
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I was able to take a lot of pictures this weekend, so look for new items in my Zibbet shop.
Here are some great new products available at Zibbet today.
What little boy doesn't like monsters? Especially as cute as this one? You can find it at Stitches by Megan (http://www.zibbet.com/StitchesbyMegan/artwork?artworkId=1655573). And it is on sale!
This lovely bracelet is made by Rampion Rampage (http://www.zibbet.com/RampionRampageGifts/artwork?artworkId=2115174) She is currently moving her items to Zibbet, so expect a lot of beautiful new items.Welcome to Zibbet!
Looking for some fine art? Look no further than John Harmon Gallery (http://www.zibbet.com/JohnHarmonGallery/artwork?artworkId=342817) This lovely print will look great on any wall.
That's it for today! Have a great week.
Here are some great new products available at Zibbet today.
What little boy doesn't like monsters? Especially as cute as this one? You can find it at Stitches by Megan (http://www.zibbet.com/StitchesbyMegan/artwork?artworkId=1655573). And it is on sale!
This lovely bracelet is made by Rampion Rampage (http://www.zibbet.com/RampionRampageGifts/artwork?artworkId=2115174) She is currently moving her items to Zibbet, so expect a lot of beautiful new items.Welcome to Zibbet!
Looking for some fine art? Look no further than John Harmon Gallery (http://www.zibbet.com/JohnHarmonGallery/artwork?artworkId=342817) This lovely print will look great on any wall.
That's it for today! Have a great week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)