Reflecting

Over the summer, I happily engaged in a bunch of craft shows. Now that the summer is over and I've had a few shows checked off my to-do list; it's time to reflect. It's interesting how different I felt before doing my first show and now having done quite a few. I was nervous but excited. Now that the summer has gone by, I feel more confident with my craft and it's been awesome meeting customers and noticing what they tend to gravitate towards.

Craft shows has taken its toll on me though. It's not easy waking up at the break of dawn on a Sunday morning, load up the car and trek it over to Brooklyn. I'm so lucky to have a supportive husband who doesn't complain (too much) and is willing not just to drive me over and pick me up but hang out and help set up and close down at the end of the day.

I also realized that it's not so easy attending craft shows, selling my goods online, work a full time job and be a "good" wife. I've been so busy multi-tasking that I don't have time to sit down and actually enjoy it. That's not good. Most importantly, I haven't been able to devote time to crafting creatively. Surprised huh? I've gotten to a point in my craft where I can repeat some of the designs and still keep it fresh and fun; but I yearn for those days where I spent hours upon hours surfing the net or walking around the city looking for inspiration.

Hence, I've decided that I need "focus" back in my life. I will commit to less craft shows, but spend more time at home to craft creatively and hope for my online orders. Christmas is just around the corner and will be my 2nd as a married couple. I look forward to all the fun festivities and eating of course!

No worries though, I'm still going to participate when I can. My next show will be a new one for me; at the Brooklyn Indie Market (BIM) on Sat., November 15th. I'll be sharing a space with Michelle from dirtylovesclean.etsy.com. So excited about this! And I'll probably make an appearance at the Brooklyn Flea (my mainstay) in December.

Promos Needed!

Promotional Opportunity: Hip NYC Holiday Craft Fair Now Accepting Samples and Promos
The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade is a one-day shopping event showcasing three floors full of handcrafted goods. It will take place in New York City at the Knitting Factory, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday December 6, 2008.

The event is being organized by The {NewNew}York Street Team (http:// thenewnewny.com). The group is partnering with many sponsors including Etsy & L Magazine (www.thelmagazine.com), and a large crowd is expected.

Anyone who RSVPs for the event online will be eligible to receive 1 of 200 complimentary, limited-edition goody bags which will be packed with Etsy Goods from across the US. The group is now accepting donations for the goody bags. This will be a great way to promote your business to thousands of NYC consumers & gain exposure around the holiday season.
Types of donations accepted include samples/smaller versions of your product (soap, earrings, prints, etc), promos (pins, buttons, magnets, etc), and coupons/gift certificates. Business cards, postcards, fliers, or other such items will not be included unless they are attached to a sample/promo/coupon. Please send samples & promos in lots of at least 10-15 items(200 item max).

Contact handmadecavalcade @ gmail.com with the subject line *promos* for the address of where to send and with any questions you may have. *Donations must be received by November 21, 2008.*

Getting ready for Christmas...

I have a stack of Holiday themed paper that's been waiting for me to use along with some vintage-y Holiday stamps. These sets are currently available in my shop in sets of four. Happy Holiday Shopping!




I'm also working on Holiday gift tags, to be added to my shop in the next week or so.

Love Every Moment

Tonight one of my bestest friends stopped by for some last minute help. One of my closest friend, whom I've thought of as a brother and have known since high school will be getting married tomorrow! Words cannot express how happy and excited I am for him and his new wife to be.

Table Numbers & Menu Cards made for the wedding.
Handmade notecard for the Bride & Groom
I included 3 personalized notecards for themAnd a last photo of the bachelor before the biggest day of his life...

Soap Giveaway!

I have a weakness for handmade soap. I would love this... you can too - click on photo to the {NewNew} Team's Monday giveway!

Let's Celebrate!

A quick gift for our friends celebrating their 10 year Anniversary! I decorated a paper bag with some ribbon and pretty paper... along with a stamped image of a wedding cake.

Inside, I included a hand written card and a sweet little scrapbook for her to fill in. I even added a gluestick so that she has everything she needs. She loved it and so did her husband.
10 years seems like a long way to go, but my friends have made it seem very easy. I've never seen a couple more "together" than they have been. I admire their love for each other and makes me look forward to my own 10 year Anniversary!

Chinese for Dinner

I've been trying to cook more lately. I've been scouring the internet looking for healthy and easy to make recipes. Last night, I made a healthier and lighter version of Sweet & Sour Chicken thanks to Jaden at Steamy Kitchen. The meal came out quite well and both my picky husband and sister loved it! My photos are not nearly as crisp and perfect as Jaden's but these will have to do for now.


We had to stop by the Chinese market before dinner to pick up more Jasmine rice (how can an Asian household be without rice?) While we were shopping, my sister picked up a container of Vegetarian Duck. She said it's a must try, and indeed she was correct. It was delicious! I also cooked up a side of Chinese Broccoli to round off our meal. Jasmine rice flavored with chicken stock (that's how my husband likes it) finished off our Chinese meal.
A close up of my Sweet & Sour Chicken Dish. This was so easy to make and so yummy too! I don't make Chinese food often. I find cooking Italian much easier; but I think this may the beginning of something good here...

Is this really paper?

I love paper, specifically scrapbook paper. It's come such a long way over the years. My all time favorite brand of paper is Basic Grey. I am constantly inspired by their mix of colors, texture and of course, the rustic-ness!

I'm in love with their latest Ambrosia line. Who wouldn't with these clever names?

Marmalade

Smoke

Entice

Clementine

Mandarin

These colors are perfect for a Fall Wedding album or Back to School project.

A Sneak Peek

Over the last several months I've been working with a bride-to-be for her rustic styled Fall wedding; which falls right in line with my style especially since my wedding was very similar. As you can imagine I was elated when she allowed me the honor to take on such an important task. I've been working on the wedding programs, thank you cards, table numbers, signage and I am thrilled to say that I've finally entered the last phase of the project; the placecards!

I normally have a rule not to post any custom work until well after the date of the event has passed, but I am too excited about this baby that I just can't resist to give you one sneak peek of one of the signages I made.

I've had awfully good luck with many of the brides I've dealt with thus far and Jennifer has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. Not only is she responsive and understanding with the numerous emails I sent her; but most importantly, she is appreciative of what I do and just as excited as I am about handmade!

This is what I live for. Now if only I can do this full time...

Full details will be posted after the wedding. Stay tuned!

A Bit of Glam..

Right before I left for my Anniversary trip to Costa Rica, one of my good friends called me for a favor. She needed 20 bridal invites and she needed it quick. She found an image of the invites she wanted and would have ordered through them but they did not have the colors she wanted. In less than two weeks, we emailed each other back and forth and met up at Paper Presentation to choose the perfect colors and ribbons.

After a few hours, we finally made our selections and I hurried on home to make them. When I accepted this challenge, I thought it would be a piece of cake. I spent more hours than I thought I would just creating a mock up. I overestimated how much time I'd need to trace, cut, and then erase the pencil parks on these little gems. Not only that, I was quite busy at work, stressed out, and also had a full on bridal custom order in the works. To make matters worse, I didn't buy enough materials, made mistakes and had to return to the store twice! I knew I was overworked! I knew I took on more than I could handle. I felt so bad though. I felt that I didn't give this project 110% of my time and efforts as I normally would with every other project I've taken up. Luckily, she was and still is a great friend and very understanding; but I've learned my lesson. It's wise to slow down, take my time and not rush! I also need to learn not to say "Yes" to everything that comes my way.

Another true labour of love. ... I think it turned out well despite the fact that these glamorous shoes are totally not my style; but it's more fun that way.