ebraunnagel

New Smarty Pig Goal

2008-11-23T22:07:00.002-05:00

My first Smarty Pig goal was met this month. A $250 gift card for Lowes is on it's way to buy a new storm door. My next goal is a new TV; that goal will be met in December 2009. I'm ready to save all the money myself and reach my goal without using credit. And, Smarty Pig pays interest too. Not much, but it's an incentive.

On The Go Bag #2

2008-09-03T21:05:00.005-04:00

Bag #2 is in my favorite color combination: black and red. I love the way they play off each other to create a bold statement. Are you a fan of red and black also?

On The Go Bag #1

2008-09-03T20:58:00.003-04:00

First in a new series of shoulder bags that fit on the shoulder or across the body. This one features a very cool aqua batik cotton with two zippered pockets and one plain pocket.

What would you use this bag for?

Souly Stones

2008-09-01T22:36:00.013-04:00

I love jewelry that's not like everyone elses. And that's where Angela comes in. She produces pieces that are beautiful and classy. And, I want them. All of them. :) Click the title of this entry to go to Angela's website. And, if you have a blank space in your abode for fine photography, check out her husband's shop at www.ScooyouPhotography.etsy.com

Free Websites

2008-08-31T10:27:00.004-04:00

Have you ever heard of Weebly? It's a very simple web hosting service that allows you to create your own site for free. So, even if you have another big and beautiful website, adding another opportunity to get your name and inventory out there is not a bad thing. Weebly is fast and easy. Try it. Click the title of this entry to see my Weebly site. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Breathing Space

2008-08-31T10:15:00.002-04:00

Work has been intense for at least three months now. In the past six weeks, I've been working more than 50 hours per week plus unpaid time on weekends (salary not hourly). That will continue into September, then hopefully decrease back to 40. It's exhausting. There's no 'energy' for anything but work. I almost wrote 'time', but you know that's not really true. It's just a reflex action because we all say that. I really do have time: minutes, hours, days. But, I'm so burned out on working hard, that I don't have the energy to begin anything. A couple weeks ago, I decided to 'try' to get a sewing project going. I cut out all the pieces for ten bags and did some preliminary sewing to set them up for final construction. Last night, I found out I may have cut them wrong. If I did, what a waste of time, fabric and frippery. So, even though I made the time to work, I may not have had enough energy to properly think. That's the issue.

Beer-B-Que - Sunday, May 18th 2008

2008-05-18T22:34:00.004-04:00

Today was the Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Que at Larry Kessler's (Kessler Craftsman) in Dallas. After seeing blurbs in The Quick as well as the Dallas Guide, tons of people came out for free food and drink. It was a huge success.

This was my second craft show and I was much more prepared this time! Sales were steady and the people were all incredibly nice. I spoke to people who came from as far away as the opposite side of Fort Worth; specifically to attend the BBQ.

It was a great effort by the Etsy Dallas Leadership team and an excellent place to have an arts and craft show. I understand there were comments made that it felt like the Arts vibe of Austin, which is a huge compliment!

Dogs and Paper Shredders!

2008-04-30T06:53:00.007-04:00

Holy cow.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/paper-shredders-risks-and-dogs/page1.aspx

It's a real story and a really important read. I never imagined paper shredders could be dangerous to animals. I have mine unplugged now and up high.

Meet Jules, Sophie, Vincent and Zoey.

New Potholders

2008-04-14T18:48:00.003-04:00

Very nice 100% cotton plaid with cotton batting inside plus a couple layers of denim to provide more protection.

Beer-B-Q!

2008-04-13T14:34:00.005-04:00

Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q on Sunday, May 18th! 11am-5pm at the home of Kessler Craftsman on 1027 N. Windomere Ave, Dallas 75208.

Smarty Pig

2008-04-13T14:33:00.002-04:00

Do you know what Smarty Pig is? Here's the official description: "SmartyPig is a simple, smart, fun way to save for a specific goal. Using groundbreaking technology and the latest in security standards, SmartyPig gives you additional incentive boosts from top retailers who sell exactly what you’re saving for AND *4.30% (APY) interest on the money you’re saving. Simple, Smart, Savings. SmartyPig!" Is this not too smart? Screw the credit cards and save via Smarty Pig.

I took the handmade pledge!

2008-01-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

Craft Show #2

2008-01-12T08:53:00.001-05:00

Hopefully, I'll have enough inventory to participate in this show. The holidays were supposed to be a huge sewing session but I was sick instead. Now that I'm better, there's a ton of stuff to do.

Craft Show #1

2007-12-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

I did my first craft show yesterday with no idea what to take or how it would go. And, it wasn't bad at all. There were seven vendors total with no more than 100 attendees so it was the perfect venue in which to learn. I sold six items for enough money to make it worth my time, so I'm ready to do it again.

Here's what I took:
inventory
cash
extra tags/ribbon/ink pen/scissors for those tags that got lost or that I wanted to change

What I need to add for the next show:
a banner for my table
bags for sold items
a cash box
a display tree of sorts

Etsy Dallas Street Team

2007-11-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

I belong to a new street team made up of Dallas area crafters who also have shops on Etsy.

http://www.etsydallas.blogspot.com/

There are some very talented artisans here if you have time to take a look.

Whoo!

2007-11-06T16:39:00.001-05:00

I've had this blog for what, a year? Yeah, maybe that long. Two visitors! Yes! That's one every six months. This blog is smokin!

New Zippered Bag

2007-11-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

I like it. No. Maybe I love it. Yeah, that's it. I really, really, really like (love) this new bag. All corduroy with a zipper, an applique and some cool handles.

For Me

2007-11-03T19:17:00.001-04:00

I'm tired of sewing for the shop. Especially since I'm not selling anything. Someone's trying to tell me I don't have the talent to sell, so hey I'm listening. Today I made a bag just for me. And, ya know what? I love it. It's a brown tapestry with black woven sides, faux leather straps and two pockets inside.

What?

2007-11-03T16:32:00.000-04:00

I'm more than a little surprised by recent feedback on my bags. A shop owner tells me that her customers prefer a fabric handle instead of the vinyl handles I put on my bags. They (and she) feel that fabric looks more expensive. Crap. I've made a ton of bags that aren't selling, so is this the reason?

Skirt #2

2007-08-11T08:40:00.000-04:00

This is one 100% cotton, too. Very light. Drawstring waist. Fits Large to X-Large. I love it, but I really like working with black. This one would look good with black leggins or tights and a black or red corset. You can't see it, but the shirt on Sarah is a black, sequined soft corset. Very cute on her. I added a white drawstring for contrast, but I think I'd change it to black.

Skirt #1

2007-08-11T08:31:00.000-04:00

I've made a few skirts lately. Mainly trying to find a pattern my daughter and my son's girlfriend like. They give my latest two their seal of approval, though they really want them much shorter! So, here's the first one. It's small; between a size 2 and 4. 100% cotton, very light, swings well and has an underskirt to keep your privates, private!

Spirit of Dark Art Sale, Thursday and Friday, August 9th and 10th

2007-08-07T18:41:00.000-04:00

I just finished my Etsy Texas sale yesterday and now it's time to plan for the Spirit of Dark Art sale on Thursday and Friday. I wish I had a few days off to get some projects finished. Geez, I'm always behind!

Anyway, the specs are at http://SpiritOfDarkArt.com

There are some really talented artists in the group. I know because I've bought from several of them personally! And, I always get compliments when I wear the jewelry I've picked up.

I have two pendants plus her great Allure scent from Ahna.
I bought a pendant and at least two pair of earrings from SoulyStones.
Um, I have amazing artwork from both Asilart and LissaLush.
I want a tatted pendant from TotusMel, but I haven't budgeted it yet!
Oh, and I have artwork from Aquariann.

And, that doesn't count all the things I'd love to buy from the other members!

Each shop is offering a different perk for buying. From free shipping to % off. So if you like bohemian, alternative, dark, romantic, etc, come look at what the group has to offer. Because I can vouch for them personally!

Back from time off

2007-04-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

I took at least a month off from sewing because I just needed to regroup. So, I have a few weeks to get creative again, then I'm off to my daughter's wedding in Seattle. It will be my first time there and I can't wait; both to see my daughter , my new son-in-law and the Pacific Northwest.

Last weekend I finished a couple of things. A new skull bag and a new zippered bag with a navy raven. Both fun to do. I envy people who create effortlessly. I don't. I think it might have to do with my choice of craft. Sewing can be a slow, plodding job. You plan, design, measure, cut, assemble, disassemble if it doesn't look quite right. Maybe I need a new craft!

So Yeah

2007-04-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

I'm a crappy blogger. I either have too many things to do or I just think I do. I've even taken time off from etsy to recharge. I really needed to do that. Life just seemed too overwhelming to try to run a store also, even if it is just online. I did make a couple things before my unofficial etsy vacation. I finished a custom order of 6 crushed velvet placemats for SoulyStones.etsy.com. Stop by her store if you have time. She has some really great gothic items. I'd love to see a pic of her dining room after she replaces her chandelier! And, I started a new line of bags, but I'll save them for another time.

Oh, and the most important thing? I bought the new Cruxshadows cd. It's my new favorite.

Fringed Spider Pillow

2007-01-21T06:42:00.000-05:00

Finally something new. I've been thinking alot about home furnishings so this is the result. It's a red satin pillow overlaid with black spiderweb lace appliqued with velvet spiders and finished with black fringe. The flash makes it look a little brighter than it is.

Cuff Attempt

2007-01-20T06:55:00.000-05:00

So, this is my first cuff attempt. It's lined with soft faux suede, then topped with a satin brocade-like fabric. The silver ring is removable so the cuff can be worn alone or with another item or the wearer's choice. Two snaps hold it together.

Cat / Dog Bed

2007-01-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

It's a crappy month. Yeah, sorry. Too many family troubles, too much worry time. So, I don't have any inspiration. Can't figure out what to create, sew, paint, glue, whatever. I just stare at my supplies, then give up again. I'm getting out the magazines soon, since I have buttloads of them. Maybe something in one of them will trigger an idea. Sometimes I feel like I have an imagination-deficiency. I did make a cuff today and yesterday I finished a cat/dog bed. But the darn thing was too small for my cat. So, if anyone has a dwarf dog, it would be perfect. pffft. Check it out.

Sweepin' the Floor

2006-11-10T18:38:00.000-05:00

The underskirt is satin covered by yards of lace and closes with a velevet drawstring.

4 Pocket Tote

2006-09-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

This is another in my tote line. It’s a difficult pattern that takes over 30 different pieces of fabric and interfacing. Needless to say, it’s a time-consuming bag and I’m not sure if I should make them or not because of that.

4 Pocket Tote

2006-09-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

Newest bag! Finished this week and on Etsy. Woo. It's been a busy week. Cleaned out the garage, cleaned the sewing area and finished some projects.

2006-09-07T18:28:00.000-04:00

This started as a skirt. But, when I sewed the pieces together, it was too long for a skirt and just right for a dress. Now, I can't decide whether to embellish it more. I want to add straps, but not mess up the top.

2006-09-07T18:21:00.000-04:00

This is a skirt I made last month. It was supposed to be on Etsy, but my daughter hijacked it. Whatever. It looks great on her.

It was a bitch to sew. I couldn't decide whether to create it as an overskirt or cut the lace in the same pattern as the skirt pieces. I went with the former, and it was difficult.

2006-08-22T19:31:00.000-04:00

My Latest Project

2006-08-22T19:10:00.000-04:00

It took a whole weekend to figure out the design and size, then cutout and sew this bag. And I really, really like it. I want to keep it! But no. That would be dumb.

Now it's listed on Etsy.

http://ebraunnagel.etsy.com