ACEO

Art Card Editions and Originals. I am ashamed to admit, I recently just learned what ACEO is. I have admired them for a while now. But when I saw that acronym, I just skipped over it. Then I learned more about it...

Exerpt from Wiki:

The only rule for these cards is their size (2.5 x 3.5 inches, the same as commercial trading cards, such as baseball cards and cards for trading card games). There are, however, certain conventions usually observed by those who make and trade these cards, such as the expectation that they be traded, not sold, and that they be created as unique works or small limited editions of prints. Artists generally sign and date the back, and may also include a title and contact information.

So I'm now intrigued and would love to do a few myself. It's been a while since I've drawn or painted and I think I might be able to manage 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Like anything else that catches my interest though, I have to do research. This is part of the procrastination and build up of motivation process that I go through for most things. How do I research? I shop!

Here are some of my favorites on Etsy (that I've come across so far... I just did a search and there are 449 pages of them!

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Special Requests?

I've been on many forums in the past few weeks and everyone has great ideas... and there are lots of people looking for specific costumes. Many people told me that they will be watching my shop for costumes... but that really seems silly. So, I made a mailing list! Of course, Etsy doesn't really support this, so I have linked it to my actual website.

If you are interested in learning of new prodcuts and designs as they come available... then sign up! Also, please be sure to sign my guest book at the bottom of my blog.

Sign Up Now for Mailing List!

I do need to disclose that I do take suggestions, but make no promises. If an idea catches my imagination, then you will be the first to know!

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A Royal Affair

It's been a few weeks now since we introduced our line of Royal Crowns. We have already sold two and I look forward to expanding our collection to offer an even greater variety. Last night I finished the newest one ~ The Devonshire, which is encircled with lots of bright color.

I'm looking forward to making a few others, notably a pink one for those girls that just can't get enough pink and even a few fleece tiaras... I am working on a new pattern for that as we speak.

These crowns are so much fun. My kids and their friends have a great time playing with the many prototypes that I've done. I still need to list my version for younger kids (no buttons)... although you can see it pictured in the image I've included on this blog.

We also used one of the crowns on my son for his birthday. It was the perfect extra touch to make him feel like a king!

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Taking a moment

These past few days I have been very thankful for both my husband and his mother who is visiting from San Jose. They have both taken the kids and I've had time to work on getting some of my costumes up for my showcase today.

Of course, I have taken advantage and, as is the case with this worn body of mine, I have over done it again. I am now stuck in bed with a terribly painful back (my poor posture over my sewing machine for three or four days seems to have taken it's toll). But... I'm actually enjoying the time in bed. I am finally able to read blogs that I've marked, shop on Etsy a little, and do things like add Etsykids tags to my listings.

So, I'm thinking Christmas shopping right now and Etsy is the perfect place! We have a list of people who are important in our life, people who we like to acknowledge at Christmas time. Many of these people, however, are very hard to buy for. I am thrilled that I am finding many things that would be great... and I have choices! It's nice to not have to go last minute to the shopping mall and make a purchase of something that isn't perfect for them... but will do.

So, if you have people like this on your list. Check out Etsy. Not only are you supporting great artists, but you will also be giving a gift that has been made for that person.

While I am enjoying this time taking it easy... I do hope that I'm up and around by the end of the day. I am sitting here as many ideas are filling my head. I can't wait to start working on all these swirling ideas!

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Pin Cushion

I've been doing so much sewing lately, that I'm feeling a need for a pin cushion. Sure, I have one of those magnetic ones, but everytime I grab of a pin, I get more than one. I'd also like something that I can just keep a few in and move it around the table as I'm working. I could easily make one... and I might end up doing that. But I thought first, I'd see if there was anything that really grabbed me on Etsy.

I have seen so many fun, practical and cute pin cushions. There are also a few "adult" ones, but I will try to keep this blog family friendly. Here are a few of my favorites so far...










Those are my favorites (or at least a few of them). But here is what I think I need in a pin cushion (as you can see, I've put a bit of thought into this);

1 - My pin cushion needs to be a little small, but not so small that it only hold a few pins.
2 - It'd like it be a little weight so that it doesn't easily fall off the table if it gets caught on fabric.
3 - It can't be anything that looks like something other than an item that belongs on my desk. So, it can't look like food, it can't be a cute little animal, it can't look like a toy.
4 - If I'm actually buying it, rather than making it... I'd like it to be something that I can't easily make myself. Or something I wouldn't want to make.
5 - It would be great if it was unique... you know, a conversation piece or something that makes me smile when I look at it.
6 - It'd love for it to be priced under $10 with shipping.

As you can see, I have a few criteria... and nothing I have found so far fits perfectly. I am however, leaning toward the black and white one as it does meet most of my requirements. It may not be unique looking, but I do like that it's practical as she uses emery in it to keep the pins sharp.

So, whether I buy it or not, I thought I'd at least share her shop on here as I love so many things in her store.

Dyed in the Wool Designs by Dottyral

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Knit for Neighbors

Today has been a slow inspiration day for me. I have tried a few of my ideas and I've hit a few bumps... so I decided to do a little promotion in the Etsy forums. As usual, I got distracted and found a thread on donating yarn or knit scarves. These scarves will go to the homeless. I think it's a great idea, as I'm always looking for charity projects that fit in with my schedule.

For those interested, here's her blog... www.knitforneighbors.blogspot.com

I'll keep you updated on my progress in contributing to this cause.

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It was a jungle in here

So, last weekend, we finally had our son's jungle party and I think it was a success. He had a great time and I got to see some of my costume prototypes in action. What better quality control can you get than a bunch of 5 year olds hyped up on sugar? If something was going to happen, I think it would have been then. I'm happy to report that all costumes are still in tact and still the center of play among my two kids.

The picture to the left was the best picture I could find that showed a few different costumes without showing the kids. There is a tiger in the back (with it's ears a bit backward), a red snake and in the foreground is the parrot... but he doesn't have it all the way on. I have a long list of more costume ideas and designs in my head that I'm dying to get started on... and I really want to get a few made of the ones I've already worked so hard on.

I did finally get my crown listed tonight. I think it came out great! We are working on a whole series of them, each one unique. They are washable and flexible. Check them out! (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6758878). I'm really excited about them. Like all my pictures, the photo just doesn't do it justice.

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Featured!

Yesterday I was informed that our shop, World of Whimm, was featured on the Cuteable blog. It was out of left field for me as I didn't solicit the attention and was very happy to see that we do have some people out there that think our stuff is pretty great. So, check it out!

http://cuteable.com/cuteable-finds-33/633

I'm not sure if the same will happen to you, but I have to scroll down toward the bottom to view the actual content. They are obviously having the same problem I was having for a long time with my blog. But it's exciting, nonetheless, to be appreciated.

We also received the feedback from our second sold item. We are currently rated 100% on our feedback! Yippee!

My latest focus is on costumes. There is interest on Etsy to see Halloween costumes and it's a perfect excuse for me to get motivated and iron out all the kinks in the costumes I've designed. My mom will be coming into town today and I'm hoping she can make suggestions for the parts of the costumes that I'm not liking so much. I'm hoping in another week, I'll have more costumes to post other than the tutus.

So, check out our feature on Cuteables and check back frequently here for updates on the much anticipated costumes! Thanks for everyone's support!

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First Etsy Purchase

The other day, I made my first Etsy purchase... and I couldn't be happier with it! I bought a coffee corset for my husband. I loved this lady's shop and her corsets... but was a little concerned that it wasn't "manly" enough for my husband. Okay, there wasn't really any concern. I knew there was no chance my husband was going to use a product that looked like a woman's corset. I mentioned this to her and she came up with the coolest man corset! It's leather... and no bows ~ just one manly knot!

Anyhow, check out her store. Her craftsmanship is amazing! I would take a picture of it, but he took it with him today to give it a try.

I was proud to be her first online purchase (I believe she's been selling to family and friends for a while now)... and it looks like she's already made a second sale! She better get sewing because I think she's going to do very well. I know there are others on Etsy that make similar items... but her craftsmanship is gorgeous. My husband's cozie has beautiful stitching that shows a certain pride in her item. I love that!

http://www.jenngee.etsy.com/

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Fremont Sunday Market

Yesterday, we packed up the kids and headed to Seattle to take in some craftin'. The kids were dressed to impress! It was as close to a working weekend as I've had in a long time as I wanted to check out the Fremont Sunday Market to see if it would be a decent venue for my goods. In addition, I wanted to support Etsyrain who used the Sunday Market as their first joint event. I'm terrible at making small talk, so it wasn't a great environment for me to meet my fellow street team members in person, but I thought it was a great first showing for the team. Ten Etsyrain crafters shared two booths at the event and helped spread the Etsy name. I heard they even made some sales and took in a custom order or two.



As far as it being the right venue for me, we'll have to wait and see. I think it might be a good place to peddle some of my costumes for Halloween... but that means I have to have some of them made up... it might be a good place for my baby quilts and such closer to Christmas... but I need to look into the year-round details to see what that means as far as my comfort in the elements.


But we had a great time... and we enjoyed some REALLY good pizza! Not only that, but my son got to watch his pizza be cooked right there on the streets of the market! Oh, another highlight was the giant tree creature sculpture that greeted us a we entered the market. It was coooool! My husband wanted to take it home, but I pointed out there were a few problems (1 - I don't think it was for sale, 2 - we could never afford it if it was, 3 - it was huge! where in the world would we keep it, 4 - doesn't really matter where we'd keep it since there was no way to get it home, 5 - did I mention that I don't think it was for sale?). He had to settle for a picture.



Anyhow, I did meet one of my fellow street team members, Dawn. I have been coveting one of her crocheted hats. Check out her shop... she has a variety of items... the most useful, in my opinion, is the ice cream cozy.

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He wants a cracker!

My son's birthday party is right around the corner (1 week to be exact) and I'm closing in on completing some of the costumes off my son's want list. Here is my latest... the parrot. I hope to soon offer these costumes on my Etsy site once I work out all the little kinks. He is happy with them as is though. He says this is his favorite so far, I think I agree.

My computer goes in for repair today... let's hope for a quick and safe return!

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Addicted to scraps

I'm not sure what it is, but lately, I've been addicted to my scrap box. I know I should be spending the time I spend creating from this box on the list of other projects I have... but lately I've been inspired to create. And I want to create quickly.

I still need to do the many costumes that my son has requested for his party next weekend, I still need to fix the other fairy costume I have almost done and I need to do another memory quilt... but instead, I did this today...


This is a hand puppet (he has named it Mally the Monkey) made especially to fit little hands. I made it out of my scrap pile... and he's a soft waffle fleece.

Okay, this one is a little harder to focus on... but look away from the goofy little girl doing her best to pose for the camera and look down to the purse in her hand. That's it! That's what I made for her this morning. She is just getting into carrying things around and making them (baskets, boxes, bags) into her purse... so I thought I'd make her one her size. Just a note, I won't be making a living making purses... way to much trouble! Anyhow, this is straight out of the scrap box as well. I also made the handle out of some cord that I braided. It's cute, but I won't quit my day job... wait, I don't have one.

Okay, so I was also semi-productive. I posted two new things on the Etsy site and I've started working on the World of Whimm site to link to the Etsy site (that's still under construction and probably will be over the weekend). So, I leave you tonight with my newest Etsy creations. Oh, ya, they are different than everything else so I had to create a new section from them. I guess I'm a little unfocused lately. I guess I need to get back on my medications.

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It was a big day!

Yesterday was a big day for me. I, not only sold my first item, but I also sold my second item! It was very exciting and a little eye opening. I hadn't realized how many things I still needed to do to be ready to sell. But I'm getting there and looking forward to more sales!

I'm also anxiously awaiting feedback from the two buyers. I think that might be more nerve racking than waiting for my first sale. I just hope they enjoy our products as much as we do.

We have also started a store for my husband's illustrations. He's a video game artist and he dabbles in comic book art. He has a bunch of concept work, original art from some of his games and some comic art that we'd love to sell and make more room. Check out his site!

www.kcqillustrations.net

I'll be posting more items as I get them ready. Since he has a full time job, I'll be trying to help promote his site as much as I can. I love his work and can't wait to get some of his pieces online. So check back frequently!

If you haven't already, please sign my guest book below... I'd love to check out other Etsy sites and hopefully feature them in my blog. Thanks!

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