cutie pie

Lost in Translation, part three

2009-09-18T19:27:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted in this little series, but I have collected many more photographs to share with you. I'll start with the most recent, which went up today. These are posted outside the door to the garbage chute.

There are more posted in the lobby, which I will put up another day, perhaps tomorrow. For those of you not familiar with this little series, this is a collection of notes that the super of my building likes to put up from time to time. Unfortunately his English translations from his native Spanish are atrocious. My boyfriend says that the Spanish versions he pastes up are mostly well-written, so perhaps he is using an online translator which is giving him these funny results with the English translation. And anyway, he's a terrible super (don't even get me started on it!), so don't feel bad having a chuckle at his expense. More to come...

Etsy Treats: Releaf Handmade

2009-09-17T05:33:00.006-04:00

I bought an adorable felt brooch at a local craft fair this summer, and I had promised I would photograph it and post about it. But alas, before I got around to it, I lost the little fella... I was so sad, so I decided to scour Etsy for a suitable replacement. To my delight, I found this wonderful flower brooch from a cute new shop, Releaf Handmade. And I think I like this one even better than the former!Along with cute felt flower brooches, Releaf Handmade also features wallets, zippered pouches, and more. My brooch was packaged very sweetly too. I love this boxy pencil pouch she has!

Sale!

2009-09-07T00:07:00.004-04:00

I've been running a Labor Day sale in both etsy shops this weekend, and I now realized that I didn't even post about it here... oops, sorry!

The sale runs through the end of today, Monday September 7th (midnight EDT). I am offering a 15% discount in both shops, and in addition, in honor of my birthday which was also this weekend, you will get free gifts with each purchase!

I am including two free cards when you make a purchase from Cutiepie Company, and two free magnets with a purchase from Hunter's Hideaway. If you have had your eye on something from the shops, don't delay!

Vote: Etsy Community Poll

2009-09-02T05:25:00.003-04:00

Hello friends, I am in another Community vote on Etsy this week. If you don't already know about these, the way to get selected is simply to nominate yourself! On Mondays, Etsy usually publishes an article about the previous week's winner, and asks for nominations for the next poll. Each week there is a different theme, so when you see one that suits your shop, nominate yourself by posting a link to your item in the comments section! I do believe that items are chosen for the Voter in the order they are received, so don't delay. You can also nominate others of course, and I try to do that as well as nominate myself (I'm not selfish all the time...) That said, if you haven't already voted in this week's round, head on over and please feel free to cast your vote for me! My mixed media print is included. I have been a bit absent again lately, but trying to catch up! I hope to share with you later this week what I have been working on. In addition to starting on some holiday designs, I have been doing a very special custom/wholesale order, which is almost complete. Look for a post or two on that soon. I gocco screenprinted some custom silhouettes for this order, and I may try to write a more detailed post on that!

Custom Moving Announcements

2009-08-21T20:17:00.003-04:00

My dear friend Ashley, creator of adorable baby bonnets and sweet crochet goodies (NYCrochet), recently moved into an incredible new apartment with a swell little balcony (I am so jealous!). I created some cute custom moving announcements for her, and am so excited by how they turned out that I wanted to share! They are not offered in the shop, but perhaps I will offer something with this design--it is a digital collage that I created in Photoshop. She will be making a special baby bonnet for my me to give to my sister, and I look forward to sharing that with you all too! Have a lovely weekend.

Cute Baby Stuff

2009-08-19T01:50:00.005-04:00

I've been meaning to share this for a while now! I went to the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn in June, and I picked up some adorable onesies for my sister, who is expecting in November. All of these wonderful printed onesies are available on Etsy of course!

This awesome screenprinted Mr. T one piece is by Mattiemecko. I got this in red, but they are also available in baby blue and black. Looks like Mattiemecko recently stocked the shop, because it was empty just a few weeks ago--hurray!This super sweet onesie is block printed by Jewelweeds. It is an organic cotton one-piece in a soft cream color. Mine is actually printed in a lovely aqua shade, but this grassy green is darling too.

I'll be sharing more cute baby finds in the upcoming weeks!

A Little Sprucing Up

2009-08-14T20:23:00.003-04:00

I got a few new fonts the other day, about which I am sooo dorkily excited. I was thinking about a project I could use them in for some instant gratification, and I realized that my second etsy shop, Hunter's Hideaway, was in a bit of a state of neglect. I never made a banner for the shop, and I got so used to there not being one, that it slipped my mind... for the past year! So, perfect little project: I whipped up a new banner and avatar in Photoshop, and I am as pleased as punch! Perhaps I will spruce up the ole' Cutiepie banner as well...

Pirate Lincoln

2009-08-12T17:26:00.003-04:00

Arrrgh Matey, what's that you say? A Pirate Lincoln? What the heck is that?

This is Pirate Lincoln. Cleverly designed by Paste Shirts, this screenprinted tee is the perfect gift for my friends Chris and Jaime. I almost can't put into words just how perfect this is for them... I'll simply say that they have a fondness for all things Lincoln and for all things pirates. I think maybe this shirt was made especially for them. So I got them matching shirts as a wedding gift. Luckily they are just the kind of couple who would rather receive this kind of thing than a blender!

The shirts I ordered arrived today, and they are awesome! They don't stock these in Women's sizes, but the Men's Small looks like it fits a women's size Med, so I got that for the lady along with a Medium for the gentleman. Jason of Paste was so helpful and accomodating of my shipping request, and also shipped out super fast. Check out his etsy shop, as well as his website, for more quirky and unique screenprinted tshirts!

Hot Glass

2009-08-11T17:40:00.003-04:00

I thought it might be fun to share some pics I snapped while at my boyfriend's studio the other week. I've mentioned his work from time to time, but haven't really posted much about it. James is a glassblower, and also has a few of his pieces on Etsy. I don't mention it much though, I guess because I'm so used to it! But I know glassblowing is actually kind of a fascinating thing. I took these photos with my phone, so I apologize for their lower-than-usual quality.

Aren't these tools below really scary-looking? I always think they belong in a horror movie!

Etsy Trade!

2009-08-10T07:20:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago the lovely Vantiani contacted me via Etsy about doing a little trade. I happily agreed, and I am now the owner of this wonderful print called "Please Don't Cry," from her shop! I am also digging this new original collage, "Pretty Boy," that I just spotted in her shop. Thanks Vantiani, cheers!

My Momma

2009-07-30T01:41:00.004-04:00

Look at this sweet little lady! I just had to share this photo, I think it is just so delightful. This photo is from the summer of 1970. I just acquired a massive amount of negatives from my Mom, dating from the 1970's and possibly the 80's as well (haven't gone through them all yet.) Isn't she lovely? I have decided that I will undertake the massive project of scanning them all in on my awesome Epson scanner. This project may take me several years at my snails' pace, but I am sure it will be rewarding! First I really have to figure out the best settings to scan all these in at, it is actually trickier than I thought. I don't think I am going to go the "fully automated" settings-route, I can't imagine that will give me the best image quality. Leave any tips you have for me in the comments! (please do not steal this image, all rights reserved cutiepie company)

Vote: Etsy Community Poll

2009-07-28T03:03:00.003-04:00

oh, happy day! I made it into the Etsy Community Poll this week! Please vote for my Lady in Red moleskine by following this link, http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=61

This week's theme is Back to School Supplies... something close to my heart, because school supplies send my heart all aflutter! I have not been a student in just over ten years (finished college in 1999, boy do i feel old!) but I just go gaga for notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, labels, staples, paper clips, and so forth... I would be happy winning a shopping spree for Office Depot or Staples! My favorite of course, are old-school stationery shops and the like, but I can do some monetary damage anyplace that sells post-its and notepads! Hee hee.

My First Craft Show

2009-07-27T20:24:00.003-04:00

I did my first craft show last weekend! I've been meaning to post about it all last week, but life got a little busier than I expected. So here are a couple of photos of our display. NYCrochet (my friend Ashley) and I shared a table--we were rather proud of how it turned out! (we did get together to practice putting together our display beforehand...) Sales were *less* than spectacular, I won't lie. That was a bit disappointing. However, the weather was really perfect, it was a great learning experience, and we met some cool people. We also got to hang out with some of our other friends who stopped by. I would say we probably made enough to cover our table fee and the money we spent on food and other things. I bought a super cute felted brooch that I will have to post about here once I stop being lazy and take a photo of it!

I love the graffiti behind our display in this photo, haha!

Although he didn't come to the craft fair with us, we also had some items from Corporan Glass (my boyfriend) on display. They are some of his samples (i.e., affordable) pieces. They happen to match with Ashley and my items perfectly!

Weekend Etsy Sale!

2009-07-24T02:03:00.003-04:00

I am participating in the Weekend Deals promotion on Etsy this weekend, from 7/24-7/26. I am offering BOGO 1/2 Off, so just thought I'd give a little heads up! Please see my shop announcement for full details! Happy Weekend everyone!

FP Treasury

2009-07-22T14:51:00.005-04:00

I was of course, sound asleep when my treasury made it to the FP, but it is exciting nevertheless! My School Rules treasury was on the Etsy front page at 7 am today!

Row 1 ErinDollar, Madebyanna, Foundpaperco
Row 2 QuietDoing, Zoetropa, MyLittleBooks
Row 3 Meander, Mozellemetana, JesseHoraDotCom
Row 4 PaisleyDogPress, Jimbot, CarolynJoan

Congrats Everyone!

Etsy Treats: More Diane Reafsnyder

2009-07-15T14:41:00.003-04:00

I treated myself to another summery top by the lovely and talented Diane Reafsnyder! There are always so many incredible things on Etsy that I want, so much so that I hardly ever allow myself to purchase stuff. Which sounds strange, but for one thing, I just can't decide, and for another, I am limited in space and could never afford all the wonderful things in my Favorites! Every once in a while though I will treat myself to something, namely clothing. I can easily justify this to myself because I do need new clothes every so often, particularly with each change of seasons :-) And it makes me happy to support other Etsy folk when I can!

So this is the wonderful linen top I purchased, I am looking forward to receiving it! I think you will agree it is so pretty and affordable, too. She has another one in brown linen, equally as lovely. Thanks, Diane!

Hello Lovelies

2009-07-14T18:37:00.003-04:00

It's been almost a month since my last post! I am hoping to get back into posting more regularly again. So many things came up in the last four weeks, and I'm just getting caught up. I was rather sick for more than two weeks, my boyfriend's Mom has been in town and staying with us, and I went back to work doing some long hours. I did, however, manage to get my new website up and running, though I failed to even post about that! So yes, Cutiepie Company is now live, on my own domain! Yay! I am going to work on making a button for my blog to link to it. If anyone has some tips or easy directions how to do that, let me know!
Also, thank you to the ladies that participated in the Pay-it-Forward! Packages should have arrived by now, hope you like 'em. You can visit the participants Marieke, Jessi and Yet if you wish to participate too!

Pay It Forward 2009

2009-06-16T13:50:00.005-04:00

I participated in a fun Pay It Forward recently and I have been waiting for a working internet connection to post this for you all! Dawn from Lydia and Pugs sent me a box full of wonderful goodies, including my very own super cute personalized notecards (which you can find in her etsy shop) and some yummy dog treats for my beagle!
Here is Hunter modelling her new "Surf's Pup" doggie tank, though this is the only pose I could get her to strike! "Surf's Pup" is written on the back. As you can see, Hunter also needs to lose a few pounds so she can fit into her shirt a little better! Which is not going to happen easily as this activity--laying on the couch--is her favorite.

So here are the "rules" reposted from Lydia and Pugs:
"The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and 'pay it forward' in their own way. This is how it works...I am going to send something to the first 3 blog owners who want to take part. In turn you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog. There are no cost restraints, BUT don't go crazy! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile. Maybe something unique from where you live? And, remember that kindness does not have to involve money, there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go- just look around."

Just leave a comment here and I will contact you for your address. You will then receive a surprise from me in the mail!

Thanks, and I hope you will play along!

Again, Really?

2009-06-16T12:37:00.003-04:00

Okay, after many many weeks of intermittent DSL service, and having 5-minute windows of opportunity to get online before losing my connection--it looks like the phone co. technician finally fixed it! He was at our house 5 or 6 days since last week! Hooray. Time to give him a call and thank him and buy him a bottle of wine.

So..... first stop--Etsy. What do I see on the FP, picked by Admin? A Reseller. I swear, no joke. Just like last time. I emailed abuse. I'm giving it two days to see if they do something about it.... too scared to call out again so soon! Sorry if I am complaining so much, it was just heartbreaking. If you want links to the shop, feel free to email or convo me so we can flag together.

On another note, I will be back later today with some goodies as part of a Pay-It-Forward campaign!

Breaking Up is Hard To Do

2009-06-11T00:30:00.003-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I must say that my love affair with Etsy is somewhat over. I'm not closing up shop (well, not yet anyway), but I am going to give it a go on my own. I'm going to open my own shopfront with Big Cartel! I will keep everyone posted that's for sure.

I'll tell you what started me thinking on all this. I have loved Etsy for a long time, almost to a level of an unhealthy obsession. And I suppose, like many bad relationships, this one ends in betrayal. Ha ha, very dramatic, I know. I'm just trying to illustrate my point. A few days ago, an Etsy Admin inadvertently (or irresponsibly) picked a Reseller for the Front Page. Those of you unfamiliar with "Reseller," in Etsy-speak it means: one who sells mass-produced products (not supplies), which are not allowed on Etsy. And I just could not believe my eyes: I mean talk about feeling betrayed, outraged and hurt. It was extremely obvious to me that the item posted on the FP (as the rest of the items in this shop) were mass-manufactured. How anyone could not see that, I don't know.

Anyway, I started a well-meaning thread, trying not to call out. Apparently no one else could see what I was talking about and someone suggested I was sending people on a wild goose chase. So I called out. Another seller even posted a link to a website selling these mass manufactured goods.

But boy oh boy! I named the Reseller (directly identifying another party in a negative way is "calling out" and is against Etsy TOU.) And I really didn't mean to start a shitstorm, but basically the majority of people didn't care there was a Reseller jeopardizing the integrity of the site--Etsy, Your Place for All Things Handmade. They cared that I broke a rule, and boy did they let me have it!

I mean really, people? You're admonishing me for calling out a Reseller. Aren't you all more concerened that mass-produced goods are not only prevalent on Etsy, but now being promoted to the FP by its own staff?

Apparently, that doesn't matter. All that matters is that I "called out." I thought this was a community of independent artists, crafters, and artisans supporting and promoting one another. I was very seriously mistaken. I started the thread because I believe the integrity of the site is at stake when mass produced goods are carelessly promoted to the spotlight. Are mass produced goods allowed now, but only if they are cute?

So this was two days ago. Today it seems Etsy has taken action on the offending shop--it's empty. But of course that could also be because it's sales shot up after being on the FP. They also eliminated another Reseller I included in my email that was selling Chinese Lanterns, also known as China Balls. I had previously flagged and emailed abuse at Etsy about this shop (and many others in violation!) to absolutely NO avail. Seems once I had called enough attention to myself and the "called out" seller, they actually took notice of my email about other abusers. Or so it seems to me at least.

I started a new thread today (big mistake, I must be a glutton for punishment). I thought very long and hard about what I was going to write, and I thought I explained myself well. I stated that a Reseller had been shut down due to calling out, and that perhaps in the future, before jumping down one another's throat, we should be more concerned with the fact that Resellers are running rampant.

The gist of my statement was this:

"I'm just sorry I had to call out to bring your attention to it. But since someone in ADMIN put it on the FP in the first place, it was necessary. Now I realize everyone is human and makes mistakes. BUT, Admin has a responsibility to keep the integrity of this site in place. Putting an item on the FP, then tweeting about it without first verifying its authenticity as handmade shows a lack of responsibilty. Or maybe just a disregard for the integrity of etsy?"

Well, some more mean spirited and narrow minded Etsians sure let me have it. I didn't realize that adults could behave in such petty and nasty ways. Really a bunch of Etsy do-gooders afraid to question authority and vilifying me for doing so. I guess not only did I call out a Reseller, but I also "called out" Etsy in a sense, as they are the ones who posted this item to the FP (as well as 'tweeted' or 'twittered' about it!), in blatant disregard to their own rules! And it seems many people are pissed off that I called Etsy out on their shit. Is this a community I really want to be a part of?

I'm sorry to have rambled, and for perhaps coming off a bit crass. I just think this is still an important issue. People may throw eggs at me, or blacklist me, or hate me for it. But you know what, it won't be the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. At least I know I have good intentions, and that I'm right, dammit! It's not about my shop, or ten shops, or a hundred. But it's about all the shops, and buyers and sellers on Etsy who are there to support handmade. Or was that handmade, and also mass produced if it's cute?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!

Blog Thanks

2009-06-02T22:42:00.008-04:00

I owe a big shoutout to these gals for including me in their blog posts last month! Funny enough, all three of these ladies' names begin with the letter A. Just an interesting coincidence

that I noticed.

Ashley from NYCrochet included me in her paper goods roundup, Never Buy Hallmark Again. Ashley has a sweet etsy shop where she sells even sweeter baby bonnets, flower corsages, and the ultimate in cuteness, bear and bunny ear crocheted beanies for little ones! Almost makes me wish I had my very own little one to dress up in these... almost.

image by NYCrochet

Andrea of Small Muse wrote an awesome post about some of my work in her Cre8ive Juice blog. Including my silhouette screenprints, she wrote a really interesting post about the history of silhouettes! In her etsy shop, she creates stunning one of a kind collages , aceo's and cards. Andrea is also a jewellery designer, and you can view her website, Luxe Design, here.

image by Small Muse

Abbey of How Now Design included my squares and scallops notecard in her blog, Aesthetic Outburst. Her Etsy shop will be reopening in just a few days, so make sure you take a peek. Browsing her shop and sold items, I realize that I had hearted her shop a while back, including this owl print, which is still one of my favorites! This owl's sentiment is one of my favorite and oft-used expressions!

image by How Now Design

Thank you ladies!

Mary's Granddaughter Giveaway

2009-05-21T19:32:00.004-04:00

image by Mary's Granddaughter

Check out this cute giveaway from Mary's Granddaughter! You have until May 26th to enter for a chance to win a sweet brooch or adorable Greta doll. You can enter up to 5 times, so pop on over to her blog now!

Vote (Again!): A New Etsy Community Poll

2009-05-19T15:54:00.004-04:00

Okay, I hope you guys are not sick of my posts about this... Lately I haven't found much time for blogging, and I feel kind of bad about it. I have a few posts I am working on, but my work hours have been a little crazy recently. Yet somehow I still manage to find the time to ask you all to vote for me!

Thank you for those of you that voted for me in last week's Etsy Community Poll Vote! Sadly, I placed 5th or 6th from the LAST place! Hopefully I will do better this week, as this time the theme is "May Blooms." Since I did pretty poorly last time, I think they might have felt bad for me and placed me in this week's poll too, hee hee. Or I just got lucky. Here is the link where you can vote. Top vote getters get placed in the Gift Guides. Poll closes May 25th!

Vote: Etsy Community Poll

2009-05-12T16:14:00.005-04:00

One of my gift bundles is included in this week's etsy community poll! The theme this week is gifts for your teacher. One of my pick-a-pack bundles is up for voting, and at the moment, I am trailing far behind! So please, if you wish, vote for me! Top vote-getters get placement in the etsy gift guide. Thanks, and cheers! (p.s. voting ends may 18th)

Giveaway Winner

2009-05-11T17:40:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone that entered my little giveaway! Your comments are very helpful to me and very much appreciated! I have picked the winner using the random number generator at random.org. And that number is 5--the winner is Mallory! I will be contacting you for your address soon. Thank you again to all!

Giveaway!

2009-05-07T22:32:00.004-04:00

I've been participating in giveaways on other blogs every now and then, and I thought perhaps I should host one right here, on my own blog! I always enjoy doing them and reading people's comments, so why not?
I will be giving away a little tennis-screenprinted gift set! It includes 1 pocket size moleskine cahiers journal, 3 notecards with envelopes, and 4 matching round stickers. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment for me here! Please visit my shops, links which can be found over on the left (or here and here), and let me know your favorite item from each of my two shops. This is a really good way for me to get feedback regarding what people like, and what isn't really working. If you wish to leave a comment with more than one favorite, like your top 3 for example, please be my guest! Or if you even want to let me know what you dislike, don't be shy (just please don't be mean either)! This really helps me a lot! I know what I like, but it can be hard to judge what items will be popular and which won't. And frankly, I could really use some feedback!

Feel free to blog about this or spread the word if you wish, but only one entry per person, please. This is open to anyone in any part of the world--I will ship anywhere! Also make sure you leave a way for me to contact you, an email or link back to your own blog. Giveaway will be open until midnight EDT, on Sunday, May 10th. I will pick the winner via a random number generator thereafter.

Thanks so much!!

A Lovely, Little Blog Giveaway

2009-05-05T04:07:00.004-04:00

I am very delighted to be participating in a giveaway hosted by the super sweet Chelsea of A Lovely, Little Blog. You can win a set of notecards and a magnet set (something from each of my shops). And I am amongst great company here-- there are 5 additional shops participating, and all of them are just wonderful. There will be several winners, so hop on over to Chelsea's blog to enter! In fact, I would like to enter as well, because there are some lovely items indeed! But I don't think I should, lest I win my own stuff. That would be dull. The giveaway only runs for a couple of days, from now until May 7th, so don't delay!

Pretty Things

2009-05-04T12:29:00.005-04:00

Last week I was incredibly lucky to score almost 50 stems of tulips. Aren't they lovely? My boyfriend's studio is next door to a commercial landscaping company. Apparently they dispose of large numbers of plants and flowers on a regular basis! I went over to his studio and dumpster dived for flowers! Okay, well sort of. The dumpster was overflowing with soil and plants and flowers, so I got up along the edge of it, and walked around it pulling tulips out. They were still in the pots. We cut most of them for placing in water, but kept one pot which was fairly intact. The blooms are all gone now, so I have about a dozen bulbs. Anyone know how I should store them?

This photo shows only about one-third of all the blooms we had! I don't think I've ever had so many flowers in my home at once. I placed some of them in little glasses and spread them throughout the house. I just love spring flowers!

Where Have I Been?

2009-04-24T03:32:00.002-04:00

Distracted, in a self-imposed cocoon of crafting, and not able to keep up with blogging. I have been really distracted lately... but have been happily crafting away at home, so it's all good. I have been meaning to post about a little interview I did over at the Etsy Beagle Team's blog last week. You can check it out here, if you want to learn a bit more about me. (It's not a very long interview.) Thanks so much to Linda, aka Ms. Anomaly, the Beagle Team leader, for posting it!

Little Lovelies Giveaway

2009-04-15T19:19:00.004-04:00

image by Little Lovelies

Nadine of the wonderful Little Lovelies blog is hosting a giveaway! She is giving away 3 sweet little handmade egglets to 3 lucky winners. I just love Nadine's style--please visit her blog here for a chance to win one of these adorable crocheted egglets!

Lost in Translation, part two

2009-04-09T16:18:00.005-04:00

This is posted downstairs in my building, on the door that leads to the laundry room and recycling bin/trash can area. I think it's strange that the super doesn't get anyone to help with the translation, but hey, it's amusing!

(And I don't mean to offend anyone with this! My boyfriend is hispanic as are many of my friends and most of the people I grew up with. I hope nobody takes this the wrong way!)

Etsy Beagles Giveaway

2009-04-08T00:33:00.002-04:00

The Etsy Beagles street team, of which I am a member, is hosting a giveaway on the team blog! To enter just hop over to the Beagle Team Blog to check it out. The prize is a vintage button charm bracelet by Ms. Anomaly, our team leader. Arooo!

Craft ADD

2009-04-03T15:21:00.005-04:00

I have long suffered from what I consider to be craft ADD--the tendency to dabble in a wide variety of craft related activities (not all of which I am very good at), starting one project while another sits partially completed. I have kind of given in to those urges though, because to ignore them does little good I have found. So when I feel the call of the gocco machine, off to gocco I go. When the button cranking machine pulls me away, so be it. And when the sewing machine beckons my name, well, who am I to ignore it?

I embellished these little baby onesies for my friend who had a little baby girl on April Fool's Day. I consider myself to be a novice sewer, as you can see. They are still pretty cute though, I think. I used a combination of sewing and fusing some stitch-witchery.

So.... anyone else suffer from Craft ADD? I can't be the only one!

Fun with Food

2009-04-01T00:44:00.013-04:00

I have long been a fan of bizarre product packaging, particularly of food items. I have a small collection of very interesting food wrappers, including "Commando Chips" from the Middle East, which feature some gun-toting folk on the wrapper. I have to unearth those and scan them one of these days! For now I wanted to share some fun finds that a recent shopping trip yielded. I snapped these on my camera phone--not bad I think!

Blog Thanks: Little Lovelies and Creature Comforts

2009-03-31T16:19:00.005-04:00

I had two blog mentions over the last two weeks about which I am so delighted, I just haven't had a chance to post about it till now... Little Lovelies is an adorable and wonderful blog which features lots of tutorials, patterns and free downloads and lots and lots of eye candy. My little buttercup notelets were included in one of her Etsy Finds Friday!

and Ez of Creature Comforts included my Summer Treats in one of her Wish List roundups! Make sure you stop by the blog and Ez's etsy shop, Wren & Chickadee, for some very lovely treats!

Thank you ever so much ladies!

New Supplies!

2009-03-29T17:28:00.005-04:00

Yay! I finally got my order of new supplies delivered. In addition to colorful envelopes I also upgraded my cardstock supply. I got some lovely linen finish cardstock and 100 lb. cardstock as well, and can't wait to put it all to use. This probably doesn't mean much to you unless you are a paper addict like me... and if you are then you probably know how excited I am.

I also bit the bullet and stocked up on some more gocco supplies through Welsh Products. They still have 10 packs of bulbs and 5 packs of screens in stock, which is getting hard to find. Many places are now only stocking the 4 pack bulbs and 2 pack screens! They had the most reasonable rates I could find and pretty cheap shipping. My paper goodies came from a new source I found on the internet called California Paper Goods. I don't purchase supplies wholesale at this point (of course I know I ought to be doing so), but I found California Paper Goods' prices to be really inexpensive and they have a huge selection. They have a wonderful selection of colorful French Paper Pop Tone, which is what I mostly stocked up on. Enjoy, paper addicts!

Etsy Treats: Diane Reafsnyder

2009-03-16T15:45:00.005-04:00

I just purchased a sweet and pretty spring blouse by dianereafsnyder.etsy.com, and I had to share!

This lovely Japanese Cotton Gauze Blouse is by Diane Reafsnyder, who has an etsy shop full of dreamy, beautiful clothing, and also happens to be a very friendly and communicative seller. I actually spotted her shop while it was in a FP treasury... I think her blouses and dresses are a steal! The fabric for this blouse is actually sold out, so mine will be a little bit different. The yoke will be in the fabric pictured here, while the bodice will be in a coordinating pale aqua fabric with white dots. I can't wait to get it!

Lost in Translation, part one

2009-03-10T22:11:00.005-04:00

I think this speaks for itself!

My super likes to post these interesting signs all over the building. This one is located above the trash chute on my floor. There are different ones in different places throughout the building. Stay tuned!

(My apologies for the poor photography, let's just say the lighting is less than ideal, and I didn't go to the trouble of pulling out my grey card.)

A Confession

2009-03-09T18:31:00.006-04:00

Well, maybe more like an admission: I am messy!
I am a very messy person. At home, no matter how hard I try, there always seems to be some mess, big or small... or huge. The "real world" job I do requires utmost organization, and I actually excel at that, and love keeping things organized. The organization facilitates doing the work in an efficient manner.

But at home, it's another story. Even though I know that organization would help me in my creative pursuits, this is what happens:

I organize my work space. Then I start a project. I work on that a bit and then decide there is a different project I would rather work on. Instead of putting aside or putting away the first thing, I start my next project right on top of it. And I usually continue doing that until there truly is no room to work, and then I must take a day to organize everything. And the cycle starts again. I truly believe that even if I had a huge studio, I would still cover every available surface with projects in varying stages of completion. It would still be a mess.

Hm, maybe if I just had more shelves...

Blog Thanks: Save Gocco

2009-03-02T17:06:00.001-05:00

Lovely Katie of Paperday Studio featured my Golden Girl moleskine for one of her Gocco Daily Fix's on her blog, Save Gocco. Thanks Katie! Check out Katie's newly opened etsy shop for her super sweet paper goods. Katie combines gocco and stitching on her notecards, which I just love (and have been known to do), and her faux bois hearts! How adorable are these?

Happy Birthday to Sue Card by Paperday Studio

Heart on a String Card by Paperday Studio

Happy B-day Hive Polaroid Card by Paperday Studio

Gestation Worked for Me

2009-03-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this super adorable baby onesie by Cloth Moth that I purchased for a friend's baby shower. I haven't been able to share it till now, as I wanted to wait till after the shower. I bought this at the Bust Holiday Craftacular in Dec. because I thought it was just too awesome to pass up, even though I knew the shower was months away. It's a little different than your usual baby onesie, don't you think?

Gestation Worked for Me baby onesie available in pink and gray at clothmoth.com

Creative Frustration

2009-02-27T00:11:00.013-05:00

So it's been a while now that I have been feeling frustrated with my work, like writer's block, you know, but for a visual artist. Visual artist's block, if you will. And this is also one of the reasons I have been posting so little here, as well. But I had a bit of a breakthrough this week. I finally came to an important realization about my work.

I think the main thing is that apart from the stuff I create for my etsy shop, I have been doing collage and mixed media for a very long time. And it is quite different from the work you see in my shop.

mixed media collage (copyright by me, please do not steal)

I'll backtrack a little here. Since I was a tot, I have always been creating some sort of visual "art." Collaging, drawing, painting, tracing my favorite illustrations, etc. I have also been collecting and obsessing over paper goodies for almost as long. In high school, I started collaging zines and creating collaged displays for my bedroom walls. I didn't realize mixed media/collage was actually considered a "legitimate" art form until I discovered Robert Rauschenberg and Joseph Cornell in my late teens. And when I did discover them, I mean, WOW. I just fell in love.

Throughout college, though a film major, I took art courses, from painting and ceramics to lithography. And my film studies enriched my photography (another love of mine). Then, six or seven years ago I started using a new mixed media technique I had learned in a workshop. I began creating these mixed media pieces, mainly utilizing image transfers. And this is still one of my favorite techniques.

mixed media collage (copyright by me, please do not steal)

Since I have always loved paper, I have also wanted to make greeting cards since I as long as I can remember. Loved making them for friends and family. Then about a year ago, after I discovered Etsy and the nifty Gocco, I realized I could make that little dream come true. I opened up my shop and started creating my paper goods!

Once I began doing that, I stopped creating my mixed media works. Not on purpose, it just kinda happened slowly. For the past few months, I have been feeling very frustrated, unable to come up with new ideas, lacking inspiration. I knew of course, it was partly due to the fact that I had stopped making my mixed media work. But I realized this week the main source of the frustration was due to the different ways I approach the work.

When I am making mixed media/collage pieces, I don't approach the work with a final design in mind. I simply gather my materials and begin selecting images and start putting them together. The work just shapes itself. I go along, layering, adding, until I achieve a result that feels complete.

When I am making work for my shop, my approach is completely different. Besides the considerations of materials cost, time expended (time=money) and what will sell, I will attempt to design a final product... I will have to create a screen with which to print my images. I have to think it out and design it and come up with an idea. And this approach is so different than the way I create my other work.

And so this had been my stumbling block! I realized this when, in a fit of frustration, I pulled out my mixed media supplies and set to work making a few new pieces. My method is to just let the piece come together on its own. I can't believe I didn't make this connection before! So then I got some colorful papers and began collaging some simple but cute notecards. It felt so liberating! I was just putting the pieces together, moving them around, letting the colors and lines dictate each piece until it felt complete.

So now I have to make sure I strike a balance with my work. And maybe I have to rethink my approach to the way I design products for my shop. Please share your thoughts and ideas with me in the comments below! I'm sure most of you have felt creative frustration before, and I welcome all of your opinions and advice!

Blog Thanks: better late than never...

2009-02-20T00:42:00.010-05:00

I want to say a belated thank you to three lovely ladies for including my work in their blogs!

Jan of Poppytalk included my screenprinted vintage paper cards in a valentine's roundup

Madcity Girl included my Lab Partners card in her roundup

and Michelle of Little Paper Dog featured my shop on her beautiful blog. She also has her own Etsy shop, and I love her style! Here are some of Michelle's lovely paper goods...

printable stationery set by Little Paper Dog

gocco screenprint by Little Paper Dog

Just too cute!

Business Cards

2009-02-18T19:36:00.007-05:00

I haven't been posting as much as I would like lately... But I did want to share my business cards, because I got some nice compliments on them recently. And I just stocked up on some more which arrived yesterday, so here they are...!These are double sided! I made them and had them printed through Zazzle. They have full color, double sided business cards at about $16 for 100, and about $26 for 200, and so on. What do you think? Am I spending too much on business cards? I usually wait for some special offer to roll around and then I order them. I really like them.

If you haven't heard of Zazzle, check it out! It's one of those sites where you can design your own products and they do the printing for you. You can open up a shopfront and sell through them. Not exactly Etsy, but it's fun! Feel free to share links to your business cards in the comments section below! (And so you know, this isn't a promotion for Zazzle. I'm just very pleased with how they turned out!)

More Silly Dog Tricks

2009-02-05T18:08:00.006-05:00

Almost as soon as I posted the photo of Hunter in the previous post, she climbed back in the basket. And I promise you, I didn't stage that bit of lace over her face.Then she settled in for a little nap. And by the way, she has numerous dog beds in every room of the house (except the bathroom). But I guess she likes making up her own dog beds.

Silly Dog Tricks

2009-02-05T16:53:00.005-05:00

Is is just me, or does anyone else find this incredibly funny? My beagle Hunter has this habit of always crawling into baskets or containers full of soft things, i.e., the laundry basket while it's full of clothing or freshly laundered towels! Last night was particularly amusing because she crawled into this very small basket full of fabric scraps. Then she posed there for several minutes while I almost fell out of my chair laughing and snapping photos.

I have a hunch that she knows how much this cracks me up and she does it for my benefit/amusement. Though a rascalish doggie in a basket of clean towels in not actually that amusing...

What silly things does your dog do?

Sharing the Love!

2009-02-05T00:20:00.003-05:00

See those cute buttons on the left column? The Flickr and Email ones? Well I got those fantastic buttons and a great little tutorial on how to set them up from Cathe of Just Something I Made. Follow this link to the Flickr button tutorial and this one for how to set up your email button! Thanks Cathe!

Big Apple Sweets: Tra La La Juice Bar

2009-02-02T20:48:00.008-05:00

Inside the Essex St. Market is one of my favorite places ever, hands down. Tra La La Juice Bar. This little juice stand and bakery is so much more... and, while googling around for links, I discovered that the owners, Ron and Ira, also run the adjacent Rainbo's Fish. I really wish I had known that before I moved from the neighborhood! I have not been there in a while, sadly, but I remember they also serve fish sandwiches, yum! (now it makes sense. I wondered why they had fish sandwiches, but that's because they own the fresh fish stand!) Either Ira or Ron (don't remember now) once told me that they have been there for over 20 years... don't quote me, but it was a long time... I think 26 years. Or 16. Well anyway, they have been around a long time!

A little bit about this special slice of heaven: not only do they make the BEST muffins on the planet (and yes I really mean that), they also sell desserts and other baked goods, fabulous specialty custom cakes, along with coffee, savory snacks, and fresh squeezed juices. So delish, and also, very inexpensive. And, very importantly, Ron and Ira are sooooo nice. Just really sweet and friendly, and they are always right there, mixing up a fresh batch of muffins right behind the counter. If you are lucky, you can get a muffin hot out of the oven. Just heavenly.

corny corn muffins, originally uploaded by jm3.

Now, let me just say that I am not really a "muffin person." Never really was into them, I much prefer cookies or cupcakes over muffins. Except for these. They taste more like quick bread than muffins--you know, banana bread, pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, etc. These muffins are so dense, delicious, flavorful and moist. And they come in so many different combinations, wow. I recommend trying several... so you can find your favorite! My favorite is the banana chocolate chip, laden with tons of chocolate chips and chunks of fresh banana. Holy cow, I mean, there is no skimping here, not on ingredients, freshness, quality... in fact, I don't think they are charging enough! I would happily pay double! These muffins are also huge, by the way.

Tra La La Juice Bar
Inside the Essex Market
120 Essex St., between Rivington and Delancey
New York City!

Tra La La is located right off the entrance closest to Rivington. Directions to the market here.

While I do browse online reviews when looking for a new place to eat, I also want to mention that I am not one to read Time Out NY or other local magazines in search of the "best" place to eat or newest hot spot. I tend to discover things either through recommendations from people I trust or just by stumbling upon things. I discovered Tra La La when my ex-boyfriend's Mom recommended the muffins to me, or maybe I tried one of hers... To us they are simply the "Muffin Guys." I like sharing these things because I think there are people like me who simply don't have the time or inclination to browse publications in search of yumminess. So I hope whenever you find yourself in nyc you will check out some of these places!

PS... I think they are closed on Sundays. Check the Essex Market website for hours. You can also find pics there of Tra La La and Ron and Ira, by clicking on numbers 34 and 7&8 in the merchant directory.

Another Giveaway!

2009-02-02T16:36:00.003-05:00

I feel like I haven't really posted in a while... I do have a few new posts lined up, I just have to work on them some. I can tell you that one will be about doughnuts and one about karaoke!

For now, I wanted to post a quick link to another giveaway I am doing over on Sweet Irie blog. I am giving away this cute set of notes as well as magnets, so hop on over to Michele's blog and check it out! She has several giveaways going on right now, in fact!

Giveaway!

2009-01-27T02:57:00.005-05:00

I am participating in a giveaway for a great cause. A group of ladies who run a blog called Periodic Elements of Style are having a fundraiser for a little dog named Rusty. Rusty needs cataract surgery.

No donation is necessary to enter. Anyone can enter to win any/all of the prizes, simply by commenting with a favorite item from each shop. For every $2 in donations you will receive another entry. Click here for all the details and rules. And then click here to see all the wonderful giveaways! Commenting closes at 7pm EST on Friday, January 30th.

This is a really great cause, so I hope you will check it out! Right now there are 10 different giveaways, and I think there are more lined up. I am donating my Snow Day print, which I think is so fitting: a girl and her dog!

Blog Thanks: Notebook of Handmade

2009-01-19T16:34:00.005-05:00

Annemari from Helsinki has an adorable blog called Notebook of Handmade, where she shares her fave etsy finds. Each day's finds are based on a theme, such as owls, tea, laundry, mushroom . So cute! She recently featured one of my gocco screenprinted moleskines. Thanks, Annemari!

Vote: Etsy Community Poll

2009-01-16T17:06:00.004-05:00

Etsy ran a Storque article recently about sellers' top-selling item of 2008. They asked for comments and links to our top-selling product in the comments section, so I obliged! And surprise--they are now holding a community poll with our submissions! The most-voted for items will then be featured in the Gift Guides and the Storque. So here is the link if you would like to vote! You can vote for my golden girl moleskine (wink wink), but if you vote for someone else I will never know--so cast your vote for your fave!

Blog Thanks: Crafts and Cuteness

2009-01-15T00:52:00.007-05:00

Oh wow! Tizzalicious just featured my Dawanda shop on her Crafts and Cuteness blog. Wow, a huge thank you! The photos are huge and awesome, and her blog is so cute, a treat to look at! Check it out, it is just a delight!

Blog Thanks: Fierce and Nerdy

2009-01-14T15:13:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Delia from Fierce and Nerdy for including my daydreaming print in her Chic Geek roundup! Check out the link for lots of lovely picks for your home! Delia also has her own Etsy shop as well. Thanks Delia!

Snow Day: Newest Gocco Print

2009-01-14T04:55:00.012-05:00

This is my latest gocco print, newly up in the shop.

This is the work in progress

Inspired by this photograph, circa 1982-83 (yes, that's me!)

Big Apple Gardens: 6BC Botanical Garden

2009-01-12T14:17:00.006-05:00

One of the most amazing things about the Alphabet City area of manhattan is the profusion of public gardens. When I say gardens, I don't mean parks. On almost every block, there is a plot of land, sometimes tiny, sometimes rather large, converted from an abandoned lot or plot of dirt into a lush green garden.

6BC botanical garden, originally uploaded by tiny banquet committee.

The most beautiful garden of these is the 6 BC Botanical Garden (a quick stroll from 9th St. Espresso), with gorgeous landscaping, a little waterfall, a tiny koi pond, a trellis, a patch of grass to spread a blanket on... and very importantly, it is dog friendly! (Not all gardens allow dogs)

My dog loves this garden, if we walked by when it was closed she would peer longingly through the gate. Once you enter this little oasis, you would never know you were in the middle of manhattan. It is the most magical place in the entire city.

You can get a taste of this lovely garden by browsing these pics in flickr. The 6BC Botanical Garden is on East 6th St. between Avenues B and C (as it's name implies). There are many wonderful gardens very nearby, and I will write more about them, too. But this is my favorite garden of all. There are all sorts of gardens, from shabby to slightly tacky to hippy... literally, there is one or more on every block. But this is one you just shouldn't miss!

Most of the city's gardens are closed during the winter, but during the summer they are open on weekends and have various hours throughout the week. If you are visiting the city, do yourself a favor, I promise you will be glad you did: Head east for an afternoon and walk around the area from 14th St. and Ave C, Ave B, Ave A south to Houston and C, B, A--criss cross the streets, explore up and down the avenues and streets. You are sure to discover an abundance of secret gardens. If it's wintertime, grab a hot cup at 9th St. Espresso, and wander around anyway, just to peer at the snow covered wonderousness (i don't think that's a word!) of these gardens.

There is an amazing history to all of these gardens, and I am by no means an expert. There is a wonderful article about some of the history of these gardens here, but the article is about 10 years old, so I do believe that the gardens are no longer in danger of being evicted. Yay!

Corporan Glass

2009-01-12T13:43:00.005-05:00

One of my favorites from my boyfriend's shop. I took the photos for him and I just love the way they turned out.

Blog Thanks: Mint

2009-01-12T00:35:00.008-05:00

I had a bunch of blog features last year for my etsy shop, and I thought it might be neat to post about new blog mentions for this year, as a way of saying thanks for the support.

Ellie of Mint blog recently posted a round up of lovely notecards, and included my mint mojito notecards in it--thanks Ellie! Check out the links to see all her gorgeous picks of thank you notes!

A Quick Introduction

2009-01-08T04:20:00.006-05:00

I thought I should probably introduce myself a tiny bit. My name is Milly, I'm 30, and I live in the Bronx with one dog (a little beagle who is always hungry even after she has just eaten) and one boyfriend (with his own etsy shop!). We are both big-time night owls. I have been known to cook dinner around midnight! I am lucky to make my living as a freelance camera assistant (film and tv), though I am trying to get away from all that and eventually make my living with my own business, doing what I really love (art and craft).
I say I am lucky, though sometimes working as a crew member feels like a curse. More on that some other time...(and there is lots more!) But I am lucky because being freelance means I don't work every day, and I have plenty of time to devote to my etsy shop (well, there are two of them actually). It is sort of like working part-time... but usually working just a 3-day week means 40 hours. And a 5-day week usually means 65-75 hours. So it's a bit hard to describe. But some weeks I don't work at all. So it all sort of averages out, you know?

I might write about my day job from time to time... but only when I have a really good story to share! That's it for the moment, thanks for reading!

9th Street Espresso

2009-01-08T00:11:00.003-05:00

9th Street Espresso, originally uploaded by onesevenone.

Big Apple Coffee: 9th St. Espresso

2009-01-07T23:43:00.005-05:00

So let's start with coffee. 9th St. Espresso. For three years I lived just a few blocks away from the very first 9th Street Espresso coffee shop, in alphabet city. Before I discovered for myself that this place actually does have amazing coffee, I started to get annoyed by the fact that everyone I met would tell me that 9th St. had the best coffee ever. "You live on 5th and C?'" they would say, "Do you go to 9th St. Espresso? They have the best {espresso/latte/etc} ever!" Yeah, okay, sure. I mean, everybody thinks "their" coffee place is the best ever. In fact, the more hype I heard about it, the more I wanted to avoid it.

Well, one evening I found myself working not far from the second 9th St. Espresso outpost, inside the Chelsea Market. One of my crew members ordered a latte there after our meal break. Of course, it was "the best ever." I was going to buy a coffee before heading back to work anyway, so why not try it, right? I went ahead and tried a sip. Holy cow. I ordered my own latte and went back to set and proceeded to tell everyone that I was drinking the best latte ever made.

The next couple of nights we were at the same location, we kept going back for lattes and cappuccinos. Sounds snobby, right? Well, I have to say, that does sound a little snobbish. But really, I'm not saying this to be a snob. It's just that for so long I missed out on some really great coffee just down the street, because I thought other people were being snobs! Needless to say, I started frequenting my local 9th St. Espresso on a regular basis. I'm thinking that super fresh and quality ingredients (coffee and milk, basically) and a world class espresso machine are what make this place so unique. I have had many coffees and lattes and cappuccinos all over town, and the best I've had have been from 9th St. They are about $4-$5 each, but isn't that what Starbucks beverages cost nowadays?

Now that I live way up in the Bronx, I miss 9th St. Espresso. Maybe they will read this and come open up shop across the street? A girl can dream, can't she?

For anyone in new york, visiting new york, or passing through, check it out. I know it looks intimidating (at least I think maybe that's why I was originally so hesitant to try it--you know, too cool east village coffee shop), but service is actually really friendly too! (And that's not something you take for granted 'round these parts...) My favorite is the latte, made with whole milk. Mmmm! Here's the info (by the way, they recently opened a third shop across Tompkins Sq Park, woo hoo):

http://www.ninthstreetespresso.com/
Alphabet City/East Village
700 East 9th St. (btwn ave C and D)

Tompkins Square/East Village
341 East 10th St. (btwn ave A and B)

West Village/Meatpacking
inside the Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Ave. ( btwn 15th and 16th St.)

Just Gettting Started...

2009-01-07T23:22:00.006-05:00

I am new to this whole blogging thing, and I have been trying to figure out what to write about. I thought it might be fun to start a little series about some of my favorite places in new york city and the boroughs. I should give you fair warning that many of the places I write about will probably have to do with food... as in, places I like to eat. There will be other little new york gems sprinkled in, to be certain. But a great many of these posts will be about food. You've been warned.

My First Post: My Treasury Made the FP on Etsy!

2009-01-04T05:56:00.011-05:00

Etsy Front Page 1/3/09 HuntersHideaway, originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers.

I thought that this would be a nice first post on my new blog... My "Paper Hearts" Treasury made the Front page on Etsy early this morning, sometime after midnight. Very exciting for me, this is the first time a treasury I curated has been picked for the front page. (unfortunately, I didn't see it live.)

Thanks Etsy Front Pagers for all the work you do capturing these screenshots and posting them for us!

It looks like there were at least three sales from this treasury! Some of the alternates made the FP too, and I think two of them had sales too! Congrats everyone!