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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