Crafting Goals

The trouble with being a part time Etsian is never a lack of ideas, but being organized enough to make them a reality. It's difficult to capture an idea long enough to put it on paper so it can be revisited at a later date. So I've made an excel sheet to track all of my projects from conceptualization to the finished project. I've also included potential keywords, pricing, shipping, product names and descriptions. Also helpful are reminders of upcoming events. I opened up shop in the beginning of September, and it already seemed too late to work on any Halloween-specific items. And here it is, the middle of October and hints of Christmas are everywhere. The point is, you need a little forsight to be successful. Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Moon release (look for my Bella scarf) seem to be coming at me like a freight train. Hopefully I can get my little engine to chug along quick enough to maximize on some holiday sales.

First Sale!

I made my first sale on Etsy today! It feels so good to have my first sale under my belt and add credibility to my shop. I have to admit, I feel a little unprepared since I was reluctant to think out my packaging and business cards before I made any sales. Looks like I will be doing some graphic designing when I get home tonight. And once I get packaging in order, I can concentrate on my pending projects:

Cute cashmere whale
cashmere leaf scarf
cashmere brooch pins

If only I were as good at finishing projects as I am at starting them!

More Signage

MLA - My Life is Awesome

Image Courtesy of
Strawberry Luna

Who could think otherwise on a gorgeous cool and crisp fall day in St. Louis? Some days are just so beautiful, it makes you glad to be alive. Can't wait to get out of work, take my pup for a really long walk and work on some fall projects.

My Etsy Shop

Just posted my first item for sale in my Etsy shop, Jessy Ray. I already have seven views and one heart since last night! I have another pair of gloves I'm working on right now, and then I'll be on to working on some felted pillows. I grew up watching my grandma sew, and she would always have needle points for me to work on. I also liked to crochet and had started many a unfinished scarf. But I kind of got away from doing crafty stuff in high school and college, and I'm glad I rediscovered sewing and whatnot as a past-time. It's been really theraputic finding things I love to do outside of work, since work has been very slow lately. It's so relaxing to make stuff without a intended purpose (besides going in my Etsy shop). And it is something interesting to do while my husband watches football all Sunday...

Fresh Idea

Had brunch at the Benton Park Cafe on Monday with my in-laws. The best surprise was a slice of cucumber on my glass of water instead of the traditional lemon wedge. Tasted so refreshing on a hot and humid St. Louis day. A nice unexpected twist to a late breakfast/early lunch.

(image from here)

For Lease

Company signage I designed

Dry Cleaning

What is it about dropping off dry cleaning that makes you feel so mature and chic? Dropping off my husband's suit for his interview on Monday!

(image from google)

Kirkwood Pioneers Ad

Ad I did for the Kirkwood Pioneers Boosters Athletic Program

Note to Self: Be Smart, Be Funny

So, I got this forward today. The sigificant thing about it is that I actually read it. Usually as soon as I see FW:, I delete it without a second thought. But my friend had taken the time to put "Read this, this is funny" in the subject line.

"Okay friend," I thought, "I will read this. Just because you specifically recommended it."

So I read the forward. The thing is, it was truly funny in a sarcastic and relevent way. What it actualy said really isn't my point though. My point is, at the bottom of the forward was this guy's digital signature. Grant Thorton: Tax. Audit...blah blah blah. But you know what, I was so impressed by the forward (I had to restrain myself from laughing outloud - at work) that I had to check this guy out.

"This guy gets me. He knows what is going down around here," I thought.

I mean, I actually googled him. And, okay, Grant Thorton isn't a guy - it's the company.
Brilliant marketing strategy. I sooo wish I would have thought of it first. Viral marketing.