Disturbing Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a former "feral" that adopted our family. Never mind the fact that I am allergic to cats; he decided that our house was his house.

And he runs inside every chance he gets. And makes himself at home. On my daughter's blanket I made for her a couple of years ago. In my house.

Yes, Harry, I am taking pictures of you while you slumber. And being cute does not change the fact that you are on the sofa and on a blanket.

Are you talking to me?

Maybe if I stretch I can shut that thing off.

Umpf. Just one example of a conversation between Harry Potter and me. One guess as to who normally wins.

QUESTION: How do your conversations go with your furry friends?

A Time for Renewal

The BBA's Monthly Challenge for April is to create something that signifies renewal. As we have just celebrated Easter I decided to focus on what renewal means to me right now. I took an old cabinet door and repurposed it to carry a message which reminds me of renewal.

Renewal is to be made new or fresh. There can be a time of renewal after a time of upheaval or unpleasantness.

I think of the spring bulbs growing outside our window--they lie dormant for a year, when the conditions are right they burst forth with vigor and beauty, and then they seem to wither and die.

Only they are preparing for the coming Texas heat and winter to burst forth once more next Spring.

Renewal.

When I think I can't do it alone or I don't deserve it then I am reminded that I am worthy of so much more. That I am worthy of the growth that comes after a dark spell. I am reminded that I am not alone.

And I am grateful for the time of renewal.



Thanks to Splendid Little Stars for creating this great challenge!

Transform It: Thrift Store Chair

I like a savings and a challenge and this Transform It was a challenge. I took a thrift store chair covered in what looked like bad red burlap into something less office looking.

I have never recovered a chair where it involved the back of the chair. I have recovered dining room seats which is definitely not the same thing as what I learned with this project. Which was the point. I wanted to walk away having learned a thing or two -- more than how to not get my finger scratched by sharp staples.

BEFORE--not sure why my picture wants to be sideways but whatever

Learning along the way....

After removing the fabric, I sanded and painted the wood. I then distressed it (to my parents dismay) and then used a printed cotton to cover the back and cushion. I added a fun black trim just because I liked it:)

I added the chair to the booth and it has already sold!

QUESTION: What new technique have you tried lately?

Transform It: Coffee Table

I held my own at a garage sale with a pretty older woman that wanted the coffee table that I was resting my purse on. She actually thought my standing next to the table with my leg against and my purse on it was not enough of a claim.

The fun tug-o-war at garage sales had begun. (And this would turn out to be my first battle of the day).

She asked me the price. I told her and that I was getting it.

She waited until I picked it up before the recognition hit her eyes that the table was indeed mine.

At least she told me with a smile that I was getting a really great table.

BEFORE
The table was scuffed and had glass stains on the top as well as marker (?) on one of the legs. I did not notice the top had a checkerboard pattern until I got it home and began sanding it.

AFTER
A bit of sanding, paint, and stain transformed this coffee table into a pretty piece. My daughter declared it was for a princess. (forgive the mess on the floor--I swept and forgot to pick it up!)

And fit for a bit of tea.

This coffee table will be heading to the shop for sale!

QUESTION: What have you transformed lately?

Expanding My Business (with shaky hands)

You may dream of finding your products in a store. (Not in a thrift store). And when several businesses asked me 1). to create journals for them and then, 2). have another ask me about my art the fear began to melt.

canvas by Artful Rising (Erika)

I signed up yesterday to rent out a space in a shop.

Me. And my wares.

Well, okay, I won't be on sale but the things I create and place in my space will be for sale. For many people to touch and potentially walk up to the counter and purchase.

Sigh.

Some of you may not know that I have been working with tools since I was a little girl. My dad builds furniture, rooms, and anything he feels like for fun and I paid attention. So now, I am using my teensy skills to rework furniture and build signs and what ever floats my boat.

All because I opened an etsy shop and took a chance way back when.

Funny how little things begin to grow.

QUESTION: What little thing will you work on today?

Love Matters Most

I put my vulnerability out in a gift shop. I took a step this week when I dropped off my creations that I knew would not be everyone's cup of tea. It is different than selling online because your friends, family, and coworkers get to see in person, up close and personal, a part of you that may come out during the creative process. And they can't hide their feelings on your work.

part of an art piece I created

Yesterday, a friend said that three to four of the items I created were sold.

It was a reminder that it is important to love ourselves and to believe in our dreams. Even when others may not get it.

Love yourself.

QUESTION: How have you stepped out and taken a chance?

Branding for a Gift Shop

I was asked to sell my art in a gift shop recently and in preparation for this milestone I have a branding headache. My table is covered with tag ideas, print outs, labels, notes, and generally a mess. Do I want to add my etsy address? What colors do I want? Do I want to add my name or stick to my shop name? And how will I package my magnets, lamps, and other decor that I will be adding in the future? How much space do I give for the store's inventory number and price?

Pink Candi Crafts

 Forget about this self-declared mess (not!) while wrapping gifts, I have a mountainous mess in the dining room, the craft room, and the garage. Both my dad and my husband told me that I need a dedicated workshop in the backyard somewhere.

Away from the house apparently.

Wonder what they are trying to say.

Pretty Stationery Shop

These are things I have learned during this process:
1. stick to what feels right for your "brand"/name/art/vision
2. make the tags/packaging something you will want to look at for a length of time
3. make sure others can read the pertinent information
4. do you want to tell a story with the description
5. think about pricing before someone comes knocking at your door!!!
6. will the tags/packaging flow from one product to another

QUESTION: What have you learned about packaging (either from your own shop or as a customer)?