this, that and the other thing.

I've been eating, breathing and sleeping crafts. There's paint splatters "permanently" on my elbows and the knees of my pants. I have at least five coffee cups (at any given time..) with one or two sips of old coffee left in each mug scattered all over my crafting space. The poor cat is feeling neglected because I can't bear to pick her up and get covered in cat hair mid-craft session. She reaches up to me like a little kid with her paw while I'm sitting, with these eyes that say "pay attention to me!" and I feel terrible when I tell her I'm busy. There's tubes of paint on my nightstand (although I can't figure out how they got there). And now I've somehow managed to take over the entire dining room table with my crafting migration. I get lonely in my bedroom. I can't help it!

But of course, to keep things interesting, while I'm busy, Barbados insists on being a pest.

I caught him red-handed in the shelf of my desk! I'm so disappointed that the picture came out blurry. But it's so classic, I can't resist sharing.



So I gave him a higher view of things. I'd like to think that if I was a cat, I would like to see things from other vantage points that I couldn't get to myself. [The ceiling is only a couple of inches from where the picture is cut off]



I took the metal dividers out and, of course, that made for a content Barbados.




Despite the playing around that appears to be...I actually did finish a lot of stuff the past few days. But unfortunately I can't do anything with most of "them" until I can settle on a name! And even more unfortunate is I had planned on picking a name this past weekend, but I'm having trouble. ugh. I'm very undecided. But I'm writing it in stone now - I will choose a name by next weekend. No...matter...what.
You heard it here folks. By this time next weekend I'll be able to talk about "them". Whoever "them" is. Do you know? Who knows? Does anyone?

Spring Cleaning!

To celebrate the nice weather slowly emerging here and in an effort to make room for new Lil Dumplins (and friends*) soon to come, I'm having a Spring Cleaning Sale. I'll be listing more things on sale as time goes on, as well. So be sure to check back often!

Spring Sale

bedtime.

Why didn't anyone tell me that I can never escape a bedtime no matter how old I get? Whether I'm told to, like when I was younger, or nowadays when my body literally starts shutting down like a computer. Programs start shutting down, hard drives start powering off, the monitor shuts off. It's ridiculous. I'm almost 25 and I'm passing out at 10 o'clock. How am I supposed to get anything done in a day when my body wants to spend at least half of it sleeping? My body and I aren't really on the same page.

This past weekend I heard the birds chirping and I wrote it down to remember to document it later because it was so funny. "pretty pretty prit prit prit prit" Imagine that in a chirpy bird voice, because that's what it sounded like for hours. I always imagine the birds are saying actual words...it's kind of annoying. They sound desperate, searching for a mate the length of the day. My mind tends to wander also, and I imagine a boy bird, lonely, searching for a girl bird and all the other birds are paired off and he's sitting there all alone chirping..saying the same phrase over and over, hoping someone will pay attention to him. I know, I'm crazy.

I chopped off my hair yesterday. I don't know what's wrong with me and my hair. I'm never satisfied with it. I always want to change it. Whether it's by dyeing or styling, it never ends. I tried to dye it platinum today as well. I'll take pictures tomorrow. It's not quite as light as I wanted, but it's an awesome shade of ash blonde, so I'm happy. ....for now...maybe.

As for a bit of crafty business, I've had my hands full with custom orders. It's been tough trying to work on my "series" of Lil Dumplins and the customs at the same time. But I will prevail! I'm still very hesitant to settle on a new name for the Lil Dumplins. Mainly because once I choose, then that's it, I'm not changing it again. I also realized I'm a moron and the business cards that I recently ordered say "Lil Dumplins, Art and Accessories". Not exactly the best time to be renaming my Lil Dumplins, now is it. But that's alright, I'll work it out.

Oh! And I came across an awesome website chock full of how-to's for jewelry, housewares, food and who knows what else (i haven't done a thorough investigation just yet..). Real people upload their tutorials and a lot of them have pictures and diagrams. I think it's really great that people are willing to share their skills with others. Maybe I'll add something one day...if I ever have the time! I love to be helpful when I can. Cut Out + Keep

400

In case you haven't heard the fantabulous (my favorite word by the way..) I've reached 400 sales on etsy! In all cliche fashion.."I never thought this day would come!"




I also listed 10 brand new Lil Dumplins in my shop. Although, only seven are left now. That's a lot still. I'm really happy with the progression of the craftsmanship of the Lil Dumplins as well as my picture taking abilities of them. Looking back at the first few, they were great, but I think they're even greater now. I really try to make every aspect about the Lil Dumplins perfect. I want people to receive them in the mail and say "wow, this is even better than I'd expected! I need more of them!" I want every customer to be totally happy with their purchase.

Lou has been trying to network and spread the word of Lil Dumplins and my jewelry at his job. It's great. Networking and word of mouth are definately key, I think. One of his co-workers made an EXCELLENT suggestion for a set of themed Lil Dumplins and I'm so giddy at the thought of this idea I can't wait to start working on it. He told Lou jokingly "if this is a hit, I want 1%". hah! I say you got it dude. This idea is dumplin gold. Dying to know aren't you.

In other news...actually..not really other news at all, same subject different topic. I'm planning on re-naming the Lil Dumplins. I haven't decided on a name yet, as I'm still brainstorming and hoping the perfect title falls in my lap randomly. The reasoning behind the change is pretty simple actually. Do a google search of Lil Dumplins and everything from baby clothing, to dolls, to toys pops up. Basically I'd like my Lil Dumplins to have a name for themselves. Something totally different to have them stand out on their own. I'm thinking something that isn't even a real word. I've been considering holding a contest "name that Lil Dumplin"...but I'll see what I come up with on my own first.

sneaky peaky

The birds are chirping and it's raining out. Thank god for their confusion under these weather circumstances, or this would be one craptastically dreary day.

I've been furiously working all weekend on getting some more Lil Dumplins made. I'm about halfway done from where I'd like to be. And hopefully within the next handful of days I'll be able to list this rather large batch. But for now...a tease..




♥

Holganize Me!

I came across an interesting website a while ago and it wasn't until the other day that I stumbled on it again while organizing my favorite links folder. It lets you upload any image and "holganize" it. *jazz hands sparkle sparkle magic* It says that a Holga is a cheap plastic camera from China that makes funky/weird/cool effects on the photos. eh. I've never heard of it. But it was fun to holganize things. Check it out for yourself! Holganize Me




Ok, it's not THAT cool. But it's a nice effect nonetheless.