1/21/10

Another little moment in the sun.


Well...what can I say???? A convo from one of my fave artists and bloggers came today to let me know she has featured the journal she bought from me in her Blog.

Chrissy from Artdecadence is an artist that caught my eye as soon as I ventured into Etsy.  She has the spirit and instinct of a true artist with a natural flair and style. If you don't follow her Blog  go on over and follow now, it is a delight for the eyes the soul and the spirit not to mention a wicked sense of the funnies.
Check out Chrissy's Etsy Shop for her anatomical themed goodies.



Anatomical Print With Thread



The Miseries of Human Life Recycled Journal

A little change in direction finds new joys.

I have enjoyed a new aspect of my crafting over Christmas by indulging in my love of all things Paper. Far removed from the bags and purses that I have been doing and perhaps a confusing change in direction for my shop having been in the forums reading up on how you should keep your shops uniform!  Being a bit of an eclectic personality I find enjoyment in a variety of projects.  


So following my heart/gut that place that says 'go for it' I added my new line of recycled journals and other papery goodness to my shop.  Well the change has been for me a breath of fresh air.  Not only do I feel the shop looks more rounded out (I intend to add more different lines in the future) but a fresh wind of sales and enthusiasm has been sparked.  The support and the encouragement by so many lovely fellow crafters including the fantastic DUST team has given a sense of achievement and joy.   I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all those who have encouraged and bought and shared your thoughts and ideas with me.  




The Storque Article article featuring talent from Down Under. My Love and Romance recycled journal is amongst them.



1/16/10

New Life from Old Books


new, originally uploaded by mistybliss.
This is a new thing for my Blog. I have procrastinated long enough. Originally I wanted to showcase crafters, cool ideas and various whimsy I thought Blog worthy. So here I go.

To kick off this section and in homage to my new interest in recycling old books I found this awesome pic on Flickr by mistybliss. I just love papery things, they carry a natural and simplistic beauty. I can just imagine a garland of these gracing my wall.

1/14/10

New Lines in New Shop

Redeem Designs is now back in 2010.  I have enjoyed the break and not being attached to a computer 24/7 and for having the time to play with new ideas in my head.
I have come into possession of some fantastic new toys which have really expanded my crafting scope.  The first is my Zutter Bind it all machine which is just fantastic!!!  I have been happily binding away and making Journals and Notebooks from my lovely collection of vintage books. (working in a Library has it's perks)

You find a couple of my first journals in my shop.  Here's a couple of pics





The second is a Spellbinders Wizard die cutting and embossing machine.  I can't tell you how ridiculously excited I am about the possibilities of this little beauty.  Not only does it cut but it can also emboss using the same die. Of course I am still playing and have to hoard all my pennies so I can buy some more lovely die shapes.  (Or learn to hide the credit card statements from Hubby).

I also started making tags, firstly for my own gifts and things but of course got really sucked in and now they are another new feature.



I spent a lot of time overhauling my Etsy shop and overall I am pretty pleased with the result.  I have had some lovely feedback already which is really appreciated and I am looking forward with renewed vigor to the coming months.

I hope you stop by and check out the new look.  Meanwhile I will be looking to be putting more features and giveaways on this BLOG.

12/12/09

Celebrating the year - the old and the new.

Hmmm, it's been a while since I logged in here so feeling a tad embarrassed that my blog fervour has dwindled so dramatically.  Hopefully this Blog will last longer than the New Years resolutions I plan not to make but in the renewed excitement the possibilities a new year brings will foolishly chalk up anyway.

It's ok.. I always get reflective and introspective in December.. The end of the year for me tends to lend itself for a overhaul of body, soul and spirit.  I love the fact that I am always learning and there are many things I have learned this year through good and bad experiences that will equip me in the years ahead.

My foray into online selling through Etsy, Arfire and Zibbet have plunged me in the sharpest learning curve I have had in a long time. The ride has been fun, exhilarating frustrating and scary all at the same time. I have learnt to forum, blog, twitter and facebook. Discovered that there's a science to pricing promoting and photographing product properly..(that's a fair chunk of alliteration).  I have met (online) lots of friendly, generous helpful people as well as a few grumps who value their own opinion way too much.   I have felt discouraged and elated in the space of a day all over a sale or a surprise treasury or feature spot.  The truth be told it has taken a lot more energy emotionally and physically than I was prepared for but it definately has been worth it.

Taking stock of my year and my life I have reached the conclusion that while the shop has done well (not the sell out continual turn over I envisioned)  but in comparitve and sober (sic) terms well.   None the less I personally need a time out to rest and reasses and get all my ducks in order so to speak.  There's nothing serious going on (not unless menopause has become a terminal illness) but in the busyness of life, life sometimes gets lost and I really want to give it (life)  my 'best' not the 'best under the circumstances'

I have put my onlines stores in 'vacation mode' for the time being.  I have lots of ideas and plans but want to really be more intentional in my business instead of my 'jump in at deep end paddle like hell' approach.  Like one of my mentors used to say proper prior planning prevents pitiful performance,  and I used to roll my eyes cause they used all P's but thanks to 20/20 hindsight it's gold.

Ok enough with the maudlin navel gazing.  I have had a fantastic and full year.  I celebrate my God first and foremost and the life I have in Him.  My darling husband a true gift to me, my precious children, my Church, my friends, the beautiful world we live in, coffee shops, bookshops, coffeeshops in bookshops, late night shopping, and my Mac Book Pro what would I do with out you.

2010 seems like a well balanced number and that's what I'm looking for in the New Year a better balance of the work, rest and play dynamic.  A coming of age moment awaits me I think (after suffering through menopause I think it's only fair that a new sense of maturity and wisdom should be mine).
I love the potential hidden in the future is it because am I losing my fear of making mistakes or getting too old to care??? Either way it's exciting.

I want to thank everyone who has helped make my entrance into the online arena a pleasurable one.  I have been humbled and encouraged by the support of strangers who now feel like friends.  If I make resolutions to be a better blogger next year will they hold because they are not New Year ones? I hope so.   So friends and followers near and far have a relaxing, safe and joyful Christmas and I wish you every success and happiness for the coming year.

*big virtual hug and kiss*

Vicki.

Celebrating one of the high moments in 2009




Etsy gift guide feature: The Blue Hobo Tote








This was a big Woo Hoo! day for me.. logging onto Craftcult and discovering I had a gift guide and a Storque mention at the same time.  This Tote sold soon after. YAY.

11/9/09

We have a winner

Congratulations to RecreationalArt who is the winner of the jewellery giveaway!!  Your lucky number was 6 which landed on your 3rd entry (persistance pays off).  I had a lot of fun puting this giveaway together as I had not been in my Jewellery stash for quite a while. 
A big thank you to everyone who entered and who are now following my blog.  Keep coming back I will definately be having more giveaways soon.


On another happy note I awoke to a lovely msg from Jeanette at shnookies to let me know I had won her blog competition.  I am now the proud owner of this cute Little Ladies Bag. (well not quite yet but its my pick :) )

Jeanette makes lovely clothes, shoes and accessories for the little people in your life and all from 100% natural fibres. If you have certain small ones in your life it's well worth a visit particularly for the discerning mini Divas who know a good fashion accessory when they see one.

11/6/09

OK make that three...

I can't believe it!! Another Treasury West feature this week.  How thrilling is it to wake up and see your creations featured in someone elses treasury,  no matter how many times it happens I still get a thrill.

Pop on over to demetgun3  on Etsy and take in the mad bead weaving skills!  They also love to recycle so there are some real eco friendly finds there.