New Year's Resolutions

It has been months since I've updated this blog. All my good intentions and grand schemes seem to have flown out the window. I am ashamed and shocked at myself for not even having blogged about the stuff I received in the Shop Swap & Blog. I am a horrible person.

So, first thing after new years, I am not only going to be blogging about the fantastical things that were sent to me (I shudder to think of how long ago), I am also going to do features of my two fabulous, patient, understanding swap partners' amazing etsy shops.

Also on the New Year's Resolution list, next to the traditional "exercise more" and "eat healthier": one tutorial per week. Lately I've been fascinated with fascinators. I made my first ever just a few days ago, and soon I'm going to show you all how to make them too.

I met a very nice local sculptor who is carving pendants and wanted to sell them to raise interest in his sculptures, so naturally enough, I am now managing his etsy site for him, taking product photos, listing items, and handling shipping. And the pendants - and I would say this even if I wasn't getting a commission for selling them - are gorgeous. The shop started at the beginning of December. We had 6 sales within 5 days.

I'm also designing and managing his new website for him, which is really working out nicely. Not only have I figured out a trick that can get him 50% off web hosting costs with my web host, which genuinely gives him the most and best services for his money, I get $60 for referring him. I kind of want to do a tutorial on this, but I get the feeling that could just be really tacky.

If you're interested, the sculptor guy's website (made by yours truly) is www.naulaq.com. He's truly a very talented artist.

Good News!

WOW - Such a great day today. So many good things happened!

First, on the way home, I succumbed to temptation and stopped at a yard sale. And I'm glad I did! I got FIVE broken watches for just $2! Can you say steampunk jewelry? And even if I can't come up with anything to make, watch parts go on etsy for like $10! I might actually make some money soon.

Second, I have a contact who can get me a spot in her local craft fair on the first of November... Hallelujah! It seems the universe has heard my prayers... If I can't seem to get a job, at least I can make some money selling my jewelry!

Third... what was third? Oh! I found two bobby pin sets I'd made a while ago and haven't listed yet, and they're ADORABLE. I can't wait to get them up.

AND I found the book I've been looking for, A Feast for Crows, by George R.R. Martin, which is fabulous.

Of course, now that I might be in this craft fair thing I don't know when I'm going to have time to build up a stock for it AND make my Halloween costume... maybe it's a good thing I don't have a job, eh?

I wish you all the same sort of luck I've had today, and better!