Official

Friday of last week I received the labels I had been waiting for... my NueToMe labels! They are beautiful and I will be ordering more in other colors soon.

Of course, I'm not used to having them yet and the three things I made today... I forgot to include them. So right now, they are sporadically being used. Which is fine since I only ordered 100 of them compared to the several thousand that I order for World of Whimm store. I look at the NueToMe labels and I'm sure I'll go through them in a month or two. The great things is that I can order them in a range of colors and match them to what I'm working on.

I have the NueToMe store up and running again. I've even organized my inventory and I have it separated from my show inventory. Now I have to work on the World of Whimm store. That isn't going to be as easy to organize since the items I sell in that store can be large at times (for storing in a box).

Thanks to the advice of my Street Team, I'm starting to feel a little less stressed and I have a new focus on getting organized. We'll have to see if it lasts!

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Muffin Tin Monday!

Finally, I've done Muffin Tin Monday on Monday! The kids look forward to this every week. And I like it because it doesn't take a lot of planning.

Muffin Tin Monday is the brainchild of Sycamore Stirrings. Next week she's challenged us with a theme... luckily it's PARTY!

Here is this week's - both Robbie's and Lyssie's are the same this week. I'm taking a gamble with the grapes for her again. On a side note, we did visit the doctor and we will be scheduling a test for Fructose intolerance for her... if anyone knows what this entails, I'd love to hear!

Pepperoni (Robbie asked where the pizza was - he liked his pizza building one from last week I guess... perhaps a pizza party next Muffin Tin Monday???), Grapes - sliced for Lyssie in the hopes that she'll eat them slower and eat other things in between, Quesadilla roll up - just to make it look a little different, peanuts that we took after a dinner at the Original Roadhouse Grill near our house, Tortilla chips (don't remember the brand, but they are really good with a hint of cheese), and peas from Robbie's garden. I've also included an individual "tin" with cheese because they love their cheese.

I'm curious to see how Lyssie does with the shells on the peas and peanuts. I'm sure she'll turn to her brother for help. I did crack open the peanuts a little to help her out.

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A Quick Weekend Recap

What a great weekend I had! It started out a bit trying. The Punk Rock Flea Market, while somewhat successful, was a big disappointment. It was the least attended PRFM to date (there were several other larger events happening in the area). In addition to that, I couldn't get over the stench in the parking lot. I was told that it wasn't obvious to the buyers and those that weren't sitting in place near the walls... but it was obvious to the sellers and we all kept the incense guy afloat.

But it was super fun! We had a booth space next to Marlo of Tote2Go and we made the most of the situation. Marlo plans on doing it again... I think she'll do well with more traffic. I think I'll just shop it in the future. What a great mix of vendors! If you haven't been to the PRFM - I recommend going... provided they do it again. The kids also had a great time listing to the banjo player. Lyssie especially enjoyed the rhythm and spent much of the time in Marlo's booth (she was next to the music) bopping to the beat.

I scored a few things too. I bought 4 more of Laura's mugs (LAS Designs) and I bought a tshirt from Rekoj Designs for Lyssie to wear as a dress (pictured). If you are a regular reader of the blog, you'll remember that Lyssie's butterfly dress was inspired by Rekoj's designs... but really, her stuff is WAY more impressive in person.

Sunday was a day of childless heaven! From 10:00 am to past 10:00 pm, I spent the entire day away from the house, away from the family and with friends. I was telling Kasey that the last time I spent an entire day with friends was probably high school (and I'll tell you, that was a while ago).

We did lots of thrift store shopping. It was nice to have extra eyes looking out for shirts. A few of my favorite finds were Wonder Women, Green Lantern, Pink Panther, A cool balloon holding lobster, a sombrero wearing Donald Duck and sooooo many more!

We also went to the Renton River Days to support our fellow EtsyRAIN crafters. It was another great show. Mary from Happy Delusions helped to organize it this year and she did a great job. I'm looking forward to shopping it again next year because I'm sure it will only improve year after year.

We saw a handful of EtsyRAIN sellers. We met Mama Monkey and got to see her things in person. Her dresses are adorable! We also saw Sima, Rosalind, Cheryl, Jonah, Halina, Beth and Nora. I feel like I'm forgetting some others as well. It was a great mix.

After walking around Renton River Days we migrated over to Joann's for a little more shopping before we stopped off for dinner at Miyabi Sushi. (Pictured sushi is my latest from the scraps of t-shirt fabric I've accumulated. These will be for sale in the shop hopefully within the week. Blogger has decided the picture looks best turned on it's side - I argue, but they don't seem to care).

Yum! Yum! Yum! That sushi was delicious... the atmosphere was perfect and they had the coolest bathroom ever! So cool, I took a few pictures. Check out the paper towel dispenser! I've had plans of doing something similar for our downstairs bathroom - but it'll be a medicine cabinet and it's going to be covered in Star Wars comics... to go with my husband's first issue of Star Wars when he was a kid - which he has covered in stickers. It's priceless and I intend to frame it for the bathroom... a little reading material :) Seeing this bathroom has me itching to get started on ours... sadly, it'll have to wait until September when we return from California. I just can't fit it into my busy schedule for the summer.

A great night with some great new friends. It's really fun to spend time with like minded people. I think I've also under estimated the value of time away from the kids. I love them... and I missed them. But this is the first Monday in a long time that I actually feel refreshed. Yippee!

Off to help Robbie get things back in my shops! I hope everyone has a great week... and I'll be posted again today for Muffin Tin Monday!

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Punk Rock Flea Market - Saturday!

Okay, so I should have posted this much earlier in the week... but I'm a bit behind. Better late than never, right? Okay, not really in this instance.

Anyhow, I'll be doing my first Punk Rock Flea Market tomorrow. I'm excited... and a little apprehensive. It'll be along day for this family.

I'll be offering the $1 off for each tshirt you bring me (check out the Mill Creek blog for details and guidelines). There will be many EtsyRAIN sellers there... and I'll be right next to Marlo of Tote2Go and I Make Cute Stuff.

Come check it out!

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Conquering Fear

I've had this fear of zippers for some time now. I think it's because the one zipper I did many years ago took me hours. I'm an instant gratification type person - so that wasn't acceptable... therefore, I have found other techniques for my closures.

But my desire to learn how to install a zipper never went away. After seeing my fellow EtsyRAINers make one zippered thing after another... I decided I needed to suck it up and figure it out.

Today, I sat down at the sewing machine and conquered my fear. I made a zippered purse from an old pair of jeans, a Disney tshirt and some of my many other tshirt scraps. It was tons of fun... and, dare I say, easy! I spent the most time figuring out exactly what I wanted it to look like, where I wanted pockets and how I was going to do the little strap.

Check it out! I wasn't going to put a button on the front, but the front pocket was a bit to loose for my tastes... so I found a cute little rose covered button in my huge stash. The completed purse measures approximately 11.5 inches wide and 7 inches deep.

I really need to be concentrating on making dresses - but I'd also like to have a few purses for this weekend too. I'll be taking the few that I have on my site... and I'd love to have one or two more. I can't decided now though if I want to keep this one... or sell it.

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Piratey Dreads

While on "vacation" in Coos Bay, I had the opportunity to do a little sewing. I didn't get as much made for the upcoming show, Punk Rock Flea Market, but I did make a new hat.

I can't seem to resist trying out new ideas as soon as they pop into my head.

So, here's my latest creation. It's a Piratey Dreadlock hat. This is a girly version (there was a small hole in the sleeve I used so I patched it with a heart).

These hats are super fun. I had so many pictures of my daughter wearing it... that I made a little collage so you could see how much fun she had in this hat. This one is a little on the large size for her. It fits my son well. So, I'm guessing it's about a 4 - 6 size hat. Of course, it stretches... and it does fit my head, so it could be one size fits all.

I'm hoping to make a few of these for the upcoming event on Saturday. I'm not sure if I'll have the time or not. I currently have two in stock, both the same size. One with black, grey and pink and the other with black, grey and red. These won't get listed in the shop until Monday... so if you are interested... let me know! This is a great addition to a dress up box - and completely washable!

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Muffin Tin Monday - on the road!

I just returned from a mini vacation to Coos Bay... so this blog is a bit late. But, I was excited yesterday to still do Muffin Tin Monday for the kids. We just did it on the go! The muffin tins worked perfectly in the car... and I filled it with things I had with us. Check them out! (sorry they aren't the best pictures. I was anxious to get on the road).


This Monday's Muffin Tins included cashews, raisins, pepperoni, cheese and flat bread (the last three are from the Lunchables Pizza), wheat crackers.

Robbie had a great time making pizzas. He ate all of it. Lyssie are everything but the cashews and crackers (Robbie ate her leftovers).

It was great - and we picked the muffin tins up at the Dollar Tree in Eugene. What a great Dollar Tree they have there. I'm lucky it's not near me :)

While this was fun, I'm looking forward to next week's Muffin Tin Monday at home. I loved the pizza idea and hope to do that one of these days with more variety for toppings. This week was supposed to be rainbow colored... I'll have to try that challenge another day this week though. It was too much to try to do on the road.

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Featured Seller - Chalkydoodles

It's been a long time since I've featured a seller on my blog. Between busy schedules, craft shows, keeping up with websites, supporting my street team and spending time with family... I'm having trouble getting blogs posted on a regular basis.

I'm currently writing this one from Coos Bay, Oregon. Tomorrow we'll be spending the day out on the dunes zipping up and down the sand, sitting around a bonfire, and eating some yummy grub. Right now though, I'm enjoying the comfort of a very nice Red Lion Inn.

But I digress, a few weeks ago I was in the Etsy forums and I met someone with the most wonderful store... shall I say, chalked full of wonderful things for kids... and even adults. I knew immediately that she'd be a perfect person to feature on my blog. Her items fit right into my love for fun, creative and unique things for kids.

Chalkydoodles is the store and the creative lady behind it is Lyn from Dallas, Texas... read on to learn more!

Chalkydoodles Oilcloth & Chalkcloth Shop
http://www.chalkydoodles.com/
http://chalkydoodles.blogspot.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm a stay-online-at-home-mom with a boy, a girl, a sewing machine and an online crafting business. I was also once a journalist, turned consultant, turned marketing writer.

What inspires you?

My kids, my home, my favorite vintage finds, and my Lord.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, writing, blogging, reading and sewing.

What is your favorite item in your store

My favorite Chalkydoodles is definitely the Chalkydoodles Oilcloth & Chalkcloth Apron with our signature "Chalk Block". One day I just thought, what a kid's apron really needs is a way to personalize it and decorate it - that kids can do by themselves. Chalkcloth is addictive. I can't stop thinking of things to attach it to! Chalk it Up, Wipe it Up, Change it Up!

Your best tip for a stay-at-home mom with a small business

Seek that balance, keep seeking it and don't give up until you find it. And ask for help along the way - I certainly have to.

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Mill Creek Recap

Okay, so it's already Wednesday and I'm just getting around to writing about the Mill Creek Festival. This is your first clue that the show went very well for us. We had such a great time!


Here's my top 10 favorite things about this show (no particular order since I had trouble rating them);

• The show was 10 minutes from home in fantastic Mill Creek.


• I was there with numerous other EtsyRAIN sellers which made the time there painless.


• The show was organized well and the communication to vendors was great.


• The mix of vendors and their crafts was diverse- not heavy on jewelry (and the jewelers that were there were amazing), no imports, etc.


• Lots and lots of traffic. Saturday was busy from the start because of the run they had in the morning... so I was concerned about Sunday not having that draw... but I did better on Sunday!


• I sold things! Crowns and Mermaid tails were popular. I sold out of my small mermaid tails and I sold about a third of my crowns (I took a lot!). I also sold about half my recycled dresses - yippee! Of course, now I'm stressed about having enough for my next show - what a great problem to have!


• The Blazing Onion was right across from us... and they had some delicious Sweet Potato Fries... oh, and their turkey burger was so good, I had it both days for lunch.


• I was able to trade with a few sellers - a few earrings for my mom and a little pouch that matches my new Totes2Go for me... and I bought my dad and my kids squirrel feeders.


• It wasn't raining, snowing or windy. Granted... while I was out there, I was complaining about the heat... but the weather was great for my products, so I really shouldn't have complained. But for the record, I don't like heat.


• I was pleased with my display. It's coming along... I still have improvements I'd like to see, but the new signs, pictures and canopy have really helped. I would have liked more room to spread things out a bit... maybe next year.

In addition, I got to meet a few of my online customers, introduce some new ones to Etsy, and I even had several of my friends come out to show their support. How great is that! I hope to be accepted to do this show again next year. It was so much fun!

Also - I forgot to mention, I leave for vacation tomorrow. Since the Mill Creek show, I've been working on 4 custom orders from all of my shops. It's fabulous! And I'm certain at least one of them was from the show!

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Muffin Tin Monday - for dinner

Okay, we had a really busy day on Monday and we weren't near home for lunch time... so I had to delay our muffin tin meal until dinner. The kids didn't seem to mind... and I had an extra little surprise for them. I found these fun little muffin cups at Walmart, the other day, on clearance. I figure they are perfect for adding one or two extra muffin spaces to their normal 6 muffin tin.

They distracted Lyssie a bit - although it's hard to tell if it was the muffin cups or if it was because it was dinner time (she isn't the biggest dinner eater). At any rate, Robbie was very enthusiastic and ate pretty well.

Check them out!

Muffin cups included Edamame, watermelon, string cheese, rice formed with cool Japanese molds, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, ham and mashed potatoes!

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I love it when a plan comes together

Well, okay, it hasn't come together yet - I'll have to wait until Saturday morning for that. However, I've been very pleased as I get closer to completing everything I have planned for this weekend. I finished my NueToMe sign... and I've painted three of the six frames I have for around the inside of the booth. I also received my new NueToMe business cards!

I've been excited about the NueToMe venture. Not only because recycling has been rewarding, the challenge of designing is inspiring and the end product has been well received... but also because I have also been able to measure the results of all my hard work. Today, my store surpassed 100 hearts on Etsy and I've sold 9 items. All in less than a month. It's going far better than my first store did after a month... of course, I think I have more of a formula for success now. Perhaps I'll share that in another post.

Anyhow, I can't wait until this weekend. I hope it goes well. I am looking forward to seeing all my hard work put together - sharing it with my mom - having the support of all my EtsyRAIN friends - and still being close to home :) I figure, even if financially, this show isn't successful - it's already fairly successful in pushing me in the right direction. I find that I need to have deadlines like this show to push me into productivity.

I hope you will stop by to see us! And... don't forget, I am giving $1 off any of my NueToMe items for each t-shirt you bring me (up to $3 per item). Check out the details here!

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Sizing

I've been juggling display ideas for both my stores; World of Whimm and NueToMe (On A Whimm does still exist - just online though). I went out yesterday and bought another canvas to make a sign for NueToMe just like the World of Whimm one (it'll be smaller though). I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find an old canvas that I could just paint over - you know, the whole recycling thing... but I was running out of time.

I also wanted to find something to slip on the hangers for my NueToMe dresses so people could see the sizing at a glance. You know, like in the stores. Yesterday, I went to Creation Station figuring if anyone had something, it would be them... and it would most like be recycled. I had made it through the entire visit (about 45 minutes) without finding anything that would work. A little discouraged, but still hopeful, I asked them during check out if they had anything they thought might work. The owner is fabulous and came up with the plastic ties that come on your bread (or they used to). They are perfect and recycled!

I don't get out of the house often, but I insisted that we (the kids and myself) get a few errands out of the way. After all, I had been running so low on thread that it had started affecting what I could sew. I was happy to see that Joann's had thread on sale and I stocked up! But it's always painful when the thread alone makes up for half the amount you spend.

I found other great things on our outing - more buttons (the kids and I can't get enough!), some more sample containers for play dough (the free gift I hope to give with purchases - play dough from ItsMadeAtHome), pipe cleaners for an activity for the kids, the plastic ties, some paint for the sign, the canvas, and a few other little goodies. The most exciting part of the outing though, was using my new Tote2Go bags! Not only were they sturdier than those plastic bags, but they had my kids excited about carrying them! (I'm not sure why Blogger has chosen to rotate my photo. It was taken landscape, it shows up landscape in all my programs... but Blogger is convinced it needs to be portrait... a bit annoying).

These Tote2Go bags really are genius! Marlo has thoroughly thought the design through. Two bags that fold into themselves... and once you've folded them into the pocket... you end up with a cute little wristlet type package because a handle pops out of nowhere! Okay, it isn't nowhere - it's cleverly hidden in the pocket. Genius! You've got to get one of these things!

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Trial and Error

Today, my big project with the kids was making terrariums. I got this idea when I was outside the other day looking at our embarrassing side yard. We had initially planted lawn on the side with stepping stones and a few flower boxes that held strawberry plants - but it didn't have a good winter and it got bogged down and not a lot of sun.

So this weekend, I went out there to assess the damage. The strawberry plants are no longer in the planter boxes, but outside of the planter boxes where the lawn used to be. They are doing great though and Robbie has already tasted his first strawberry that he planted himself. For now, we will let the strawberries stay there. But in between strawberries, instead of grass is various forms of moss. They really are very pretty. Although, they aren't the pretty green grass we had intended.

With all the various moss types, I thought it would be fun to try to make a terrarium to house them in so the kids could each have a little bit of green inside. Of course, I should have done my homework and learned at least a little about them before I started... but I figure the kids and I will learn together about what works and what doesn't. Besides, I have tons of moss to experiment with.

I found two glass jars with lids at Value Village during my tshirt hunt. Alyssa's (the smaller one) has a cork top and is perfect... just a little squat so the plants are a little harder to see. It was also the first one we did... so we had lots of rocks on the bottom and dirt... we probably could have cut both down just a bit and allowed a little more room to see what's in it. Like I said though, trial and error.

Lyssie made hers first while Robbie was engrossed in the Internet. I made her search for all the tiny pebbles that we used on the bottom (for Robbie's, I went and bought them). Finding the rocks was a long process... but it did keep her busy. I then put some soil from the good soil in a few of my flower gardens. And finally, we went to the side yard and chose a few different varieties of moss. To make it a little more interesting, we also added a few rocks.

Both kids love them... Robbie wants to add an animal :) His first suggestion was a worm... then an ant. I now have him convinced that the little "enclosure" (he plays Zoo Tycoon) is best just for plants.

I'll keep you posted on how they do. Both kids sprayed them with water and now we will leave them alone for several weeks (provided they last that long). If you have any experience with these little things, I'd love to hear your tips. Or, feel free to point out where we went wrong. I could read more on them, but I'm happy learning along with the kids.

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Muffin Tin Monday!

Hurray for Muffin Tin Monday! My son was very excited that his lunch would be served in a muffin tin today. This time, for some reason, I had filling all the spaces... and I only have six to worry about. I think part of the problem was that I really wanted to add fruit... and my daughter can't have it. So I try to limit my son's to just one so she doesn't get to bothered by it. I still think that nice orange peaches would have looked fabulous though!

Here they are!

The one on the left is Alyssa's. She has hot dog (from Saturday's BBQ), corn, pasta and feta (our version of Greek Spaghetti), ham cubes, string cheese, crackers and peanuts. I was a little sad that I wasn't able to fit a fruit in it for her... but recently I've decided that she probably shouldn't be having grapes either. That leaves just bananas... and she had one this morning.

Robbie's has corn, crackers and peanuts, noodles and feta, watermelon, ham and string cheese. He even told me the order he's going to eat it in (the boy is all about order) - string cheese, crackers, noodles and feta, watermelon, ham, corn and then the peanuts. Of course, he's saving the protein for last. Alyssa ate ham and hot dog first.

I'm thinking that next time I'll give them each something that other person really likes and encourage them to trade. I'm hoping this will improve their sharing skills (we are having issues right now) and it'll get me closer to being able to make just one 12 muffin pan.

Happy Muffin Pan Monday!

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Signs

So, the good thing about shows where traffic is slow, is you have LOTS of time to figure out what would work better, what you might want to change and where you can improve. At Maple Valley Days last month, Meghan and I both decided that signs and pictures would be useful.

People didn't understand how the mermaid tails went (the majority of people seemed to think that they had to cram the kids legs into the tail - that would be a huge design flaw!), thought the capes were aprons, or didn't realize that the dresses were made from recycled t-shirts.

So, I've been working on improving this. I'm all for leaving things for the imagination, but if it's not selling because they don't get it... then I think I need to step in and help them out.

I've ordered several pictures of costumes, dresses and capes to hang up around the canopy. I'm hoping they come in time. They shipped out Saturday... so provided all is well with the US Postal Service, I'm expecting them Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.

Today I painted myself a World of Whimm sign (see photo). I plan on going to get one more canvas and painting a NueToMe sign as well. I don't know if I'll use the NueToMe sign, but I figure it would be good to have one. I will be covering the edges of the canvases with ribbon I think to finish it off. Just for those that are thinking about attempting it - painting something precise with two little kids around is not such a great idea. My hands are already a bit shaky from medications and the Fibromyalgia... add my kids leaning on the table, climbing on the chair and trying to help and it isn't surprising that I had several mistakes. I was happy that they were easy enough to cover up... it did take longer though with the extra help.

I've also made some stand up signs that I'll be putting in small frames on the tables. These signs are for the items that are all the same price (bibs, burp cloths, quilts, etc).

I'm hoping with all these improvements that I'll at least increase the people coming through my booth. Luckily, if it's slow, I'll have my mom and several EtsyRAIN neighbors to pass the time with. I'm looking forward to a great show!

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Mill Creek Festival - Don't Miss it!

It's less than a week before the Mill Creek Festival. I knew it was coming up quickly... but today a little bit of anxiousness has taken hold. I'm working on preparing - although I'm sure I have enough inventory. I'm trying to complete some items that I don't have a lot of... or I haven't made in a long time.

They have a map of the festival posted. Check it out! We are even listed (World of Whimm) along with a few other EtsyRAIN folks (Totes2Go aka I Make Cute Stuff, Art by Norm, Woven Chains & Roz's Sax Seattle - hope I didn't forget anyone!

I'm also looking forward to taking my recycled tshirt items. And - to top it off... I have a sweet offer for local folks! I'll give $1 off my recycled tshirt items for each t-shirt you bring me that you no longer need. I do have some requirements, so read the end of the blog for those... but if your shirt meets my needs, you could get $1 off for each shirt (up to three shirts per item). That means you could potentially get a recycled tshirt cape for just $7! and you would be recycling some shirts that you no longer need. Sweet!

This is the festival I've been looking forward to all year. I even have my mom (my partner) coming up for it from San Jose, California. Yippee! The kids are looking forward to having their grandma here - I'm looking forward to some extra company and help!

Oh - and she's bringing our new Sign Language Alphabet Bean Bag sets with her. These things are awesome! The letter of the alphabet on one side - and the sign for the letter on the other! They are so new that I haven't seen the completed set yet... just a few individual bean bags. They will be selling for $90 a set and we will only have a very limited quantity.

So mark it on your calendars and come on out to see us!

I will accept tshirts that meet the the following guidelines;

• Child appropriate images (no beer, liquor, smoking, nudity, swearing, or raunchy humor)
• No huge stains or holes (especially in the logo area). I can work around small minor stains and small minor holes.
• No thread bare shirts - I don't mind worn shirts, but if they are thread bare, I can't in good conscience sell an item made of it.
• Must be a kid's size or larger (I might accept some infant shirts if they have great graphics on them)
• No ribbed tshirts (see photo) - I need either the lightweight tshirts or regular, run of the mill everyday tshirts. Ribbed shirts stretch too much and make for a not so pretty end result.
• Bright colors are great - I do still use whites, blacks, greys, etc... but a brighter color is a bonus!
• No thick or stiff logo shirts - those that are lighly printed are best.

I reserve the right to refuse tshirts. If you are unsure if a tshirt meets my guidelines, bring it a long... you have nothing to lose!

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