Here's another block for myself. It's called "The Crayon Box" out of Once More Around the Block by Judy Hopkins.
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Crayon Box
Here's another block for myself. It's called "The Crayon Box" out of Once More Around the Block by Judy Hopkins.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
City Girl Quilt
I partially-finished my City Girl quilt top! I still have the borders to add to it, but I couldn't resist showing it off already!
I have a TON of scrap fabric to use for the backing. I'm debating on a couple of different things to do with it. I'll probably make some 4" or 6" wonky log cabin blocks, and I'm thinking about a full-length strip with just random widths of fabric sewn across it. Actually, that might be cool as a border...? Ummmm... oh, the possibilites!
I'm going to use a very large piece of Kona Cotton for the label--I'll describe the swap and then list all of the user names for the people who made me blocks. That's a good idea!
I'm going to use a very large piece of Kona Cotton for the label--I'll describe the swap and then list all of the user names for the people who made me blocks. That's a good idea!
City Girl Quilt
I started work on the City Girl quilt from the block swap on Craftster.org. That was a fun swap! However, I doubt I'll do another one... I'm too picky about my blocks. I don't like shoddy workmanship, and there are several that are just flat out crappy. I'm not bragging, but I did some really nice work: no loose threads, the backs look as good as the fronts, and they were all 12.5" or just a SMIDGEN off as required in the swap.
Well, I tried to square up my blocks this morning, and found one that was 13," 3 that are just the tiniest bit over 12-1/8," one that is just a tad over 12" in one place (it's a 9-patch, and the top and bottom rows are 12-1/2," but the middle row is only 12!"), and one entire block that is only 12." I trimmed down the 13" block and lost all the points in the process--at least it's workable. The 12-1/8" blocks are do-able but with very, very shallow seams. I did some creative meandering sewing on the one that's a little over 12." The 12" block is completely unusable. I guess I'll try to put it on the back of the quilt.
At this point, I have all of the blocks sewn into rows. Now I need to iron the seams and sew the rows together! It's looking awesome so far.
I have my fingers crossed that my SewConnected group will make better blocks for me.
The empty place holder in the photo is for MissDisney's block. She was late sending it out, and I was too anxious to wait on her before putting together a virtual quilt in EQ6. The fourth one on the second row is the 12" block that will have to go on the back, and that's such a shame because I really, really like that block!
Well, I tried to square up my blocks this morning, and found one that was 13," 3 that are just the tiniest bit over 12-1/8," one that is just a tad over 12" in one place (it's a 9-patch, and the top and bottom rows are 12-1/2," but the middle row is only 12!"), and one entire block that is only 12." I trimmed down the 13" block and lost all the points in the process--at least it's workable. The 12-1/8" blocks are do-able but with very, very shallow seams. I did some creative meandering sewing on the one that's a little over 12." The 12" block is completely unusable. I guess I'll try to put it on the back of the quilt.
At this point, I have all of the blocks sewn into rows. Now I need to iron the seams and sew the rows together! It's looking awesome so far.
I have my fingers crossed that my SewConnected group will make better blocks for me.
The empty place holder in the photo is for MissDisney's block. She was late sending it out, and I was too anxious to wait on her before putting together a virtual quilt in EQ6. The fourth one on the second row is the 12" block that will have to go on the back, and that's such a shame because I really, really like that block!
More quilt blocks for SewConnected
Yesterday, I made two more quilt blocks for my "Eclectic" quilt: Antique Tile and Hour Glass 2--both from Once More Around the Block by Judy Hopkins. I'm not thrilled with the Antique Tile one because it's just too blah. Hour Glass 2 is better, but it's still not great. I do like the blue rick-rack in the middle of it, though. I've been using glue stick to hold down the rick-rack until I sew the pieces together.
Today I'm going to try one called Crayon Box from the same book. It's a very simple block to make, but I think it will look nice in my fabrics (at least I hope it will).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
SewConnected Block for Myself
I finished the block for myself yesterday! I added rick-rack trim to the center square, and I really like how that looks. I used glue stick to hold the rick-rack in place before I sewed it, and that worked out well.
I think the bubble fabric at the tops of the "arms" looks out of place, but it's too late now!
This is called "Triple Stripe" from EQ6. Unfortunately, the measurements are off on the corner pieces! I was about 1/8" off (maybe more), and so it made very "shallow" seams when sewing on the borders.
I'm glad this is my block, because I would have been SOOOOOOO disappointed if I'd tried to make this block for someone else, and it was messed up on the back like this one is. I guess I need to make sample blocks out of my fabric before attempting blocks for others. That's what I did with the "City Girl" quilt, and it's why I was able to make such a large quilt.
I wish I'd added rick-rack trim all the way around the border, too. That would have been pretty neat. I'm NOT picking it out, though.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
SewConnected Block
I'm so excited! Bubbachic posted my first block for the SewConnected quilt block swap! Talk about DYNAMIC! It is loud and wild, but I really like it!
Now I need to cut up my own fabric and make myself a block.
MissDisney...
MissDisney was aggravated with me the other day because I called ajanderson78 a flaker. Well... I guess she's trying to get back at me because she posted that she's only missing blocks from ME and ajanderson78. Well... HA! I sent it to her in AUGUST with delivery confirmation.
Thankfully, I still have my receipt with the tracking number. I posted a response that I'd sent it to her in August and that I'd pm her the number. I put a little smiley face on my post even though it's my turn to be aggravated with her!
Thankfully, I still have my receipt with the tracking number. I posted a response that I'd sent it to her in August and that I'd pm her the number. I put a little smiley face on my post even though it's my turn to be aggravated with her!
SewConnected ATCs
Ha! Ha! People on SewConnected have started making comments about the ATCs I sent. And the comments are "what the heck is an ATC?" and "I like that little log cabin thingie you sent." Too funny. I had to write a little description of what an ATC is. I'm happy to introduce people to the wonderful, tiny world of ATC art.
One More Christmas Card Party Post
I'm so excited! I got my big envelope of sample cards back Friday afternoon with Laura and Amy's card orders! Amy had sent me an e-mail that she'd picked out 11 cards. I thought that meant she only wanted 11 cards. Instead, she picked a mix of 11 designs, and wants FIFTY cards! Laura wants TWENTY-FIVE! Cynthia picked out her designs yesterday, but she doesn't know, yet, how many she wants of each one. AND... they want the 5x7 size which I'm charging an extra $1 for.
I still need orders from Judy and from Judy's friends who will also attend.
I started rescaling the graphics last night--I need to make them all bigger to fit the 5x7" card. I'm going to have to figure out how to print some of them on the inkjet and then laser cut the printing. That part always gives me fits. I was proud of myself for figuring it out for the 4.25x5.5 size, but now I have to rethink it for 5x7. It's the same principle, it just needs some tweaking.
Anyway, I'm going to cut samples today to make sure my scaling isn't TOO big. I think the designs will look silly and overwheming if they're too big.
I still need orders from Judy and from Judy's friends who will also attend.
I started rescaling the graphics last night--I need to make them all bigger to fit the 5x7" card. I'm going to have to figure out how to print some of them on the inkjet and then laser cut the printing. That part always gives me fits. I was proud of myself for figuring it out for the 4.25x5.5 size, but now I have to rethink it for 5x7. It's the same principle, it just needs some tweaking.
Anyway, I'm going to cut samples today to make sure my scaling isn't TOO big. I think the designs will look silly and overwheming if they're too big.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tony's Cards
Tony got his rainbow cards, and he loves them! He wants to pay me. That aggravates the snot out of me. I have told him THREE times that I don't want any more money from him. If he sends me another check, I'll rip it up and send it back to him!
SewConnected Fabric
People started receiving my SewConnected fabric yesterday! So far, there are been three "love what you sent" comments, but nobody has made a comment about the neat little paper wrappers I put around the fabric bundles or the ATCs that I made. Maybe they have stars in their eyes because those things were sooooo cool, and they can't see how ugly the fabric is!? Ha! Ha!
Not to brag, but...
Well... not to brag, but Cynthia finally got back to me about the Christmas cards, and she says I am "sooooooo talented." I thought that was really nice. I don't think of myself as talented at all.
Everyone's opted to just do the Christmas card party for now and wait until after the holidays to do the all occasion cards. I'm a little disappointed because I already cut out all the pieces. I just hope I don't end up with a bunch of unmade cards.
I don't have everyone's "orders" yet for the cards they've selected so I can't get started on those. So, today, I'm going to work on the cellophane bags I'm making for them. I need to make holiday toppers for them. I'm not sure if I should do a blue one with a bank of snow and a Christmas tree... or if I should do snowflakes... or maybe red with a penguin...? There are too many choices! I think I want to do the same one for everybody so nobody will like so-and-so's better than the one she got.
I'm also going to cut their names out of red acrylic and tie on a red and white gingham ribbon. Yesterday, I set up the file with the names I already know, but I can't cut those out until I get Judy's friends' names.
Everyone's opted to just do the Christmas card party for now and wait until after the holidays to do the all occasion cards. I'm a little disappointed because I already cut out all the pieces. I just hope I don't end up with a bunch of unmade cards.
I don't have everyone's "orders" yet for the cards they've selected so I can't get started on those. So, today, I'm going to work on the cellophane bags I'm making for them. I need to make holiday toppers for them. I'm not sure if I should do a blue one with a bank of snow and a Christmas tree... or if I should do snowflakes... or maybe red with a penguin...? There are too many choices! I think I want to do the same one for everybody so nobody will like so-and-so's better than the one she got.
I'm also going to cut their names out of red acrylic and tie on a red and white gingham ribbon. Yesterday, I set up the file with the names I already know, but I can't cut those out until I get Judy's friends' names.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Christmas Cards...
Judy called me last night, and she loves, loves, loves the Christmas cards I made. She said she loves the simplicity! I'm glad because I was worried that they were TOO simple.
She wants to make Christmas cards after the all occasion card party. I don't think that's a good idea because people get tired and grumpy after making 10 cards so I can't imagine making MORE!
So... even though I've already cut all of the All Occasion cards, I just sent an e-mail to everybody to see if they wanted to skip the AO cards in favor of a Christmas card party instead. I had hoped to have two, but oh, well. I DID let them know I'd already cut everything out so it would be nice to go ahead and have the AO one, even if it's after the holidays. I'll just have to wait and see what they say.
The Christmas card party sounds like so much fun, though, so I shouldn't be disappointed. And, I'm going to package everybody's card parts in clear cellophane bags and put a holiday topper on the bag. I'm also going to cut out a red acrylic ornament for them--probably with their names spelled out. I'll tie a ribbon on them. That will be a fun little package to receive!
She wants to make Christmas cards after the all occasion card party. I don't think that's a good idea because people get tired and grumpy after making 10 cards so I can't imagine making MORE!
So... even though I've already cut all of the All Occasion cards, I just sent an e-mail to everybody to see if they wanted to skip the AO cards in favor of a Christmas card party instead. I had hoped to have two, but oh, well. I DID let them know I'd already cut everything out so it would be nice to go ahead and have the AO one, even if it's after the holidays. I'll just have to wait and see what they say.
The Christmas card party sounds like so much fun, though, so I shouldn't be disappointed. And, I'm going to package everybody's card parts in clear cellophane bags and put a holiday topper on the bag. I'm also going to cut out a red acrylic ornament for them--probably with their names spelled out. I'll tie a ribbon on them. That will be a fun little package to receive!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ajanderson78 MIA!
Yesterday, on the Craftster.org block swap thread, MissDisney took offense that I called ajanderson78 a flaker (which is what people are called when they skip town on a swap). Well, I call it like I see it: she hasn't been heard from since July 23! She was in all three groups so she received fabric from 30 people! She also received finished blocks from 30 people. Basically, she stole our fabric and got a free quilt in the process.
MissDisney was really offended when she has NO room to be so. A deadline's a deadline, and ajanderson78 missed it without the courtesy of communicating. MissDisney also missed the send deadline by 3 weeks (plus she was 2 weeks late sending out her fabric at the beginning of the swap). She made every excuse in the book (the "lady flu", strep throat, her husband didn't get paid, her father didn't pay his rent on time, she couldn't get to the PO, blah, blah, blah). I don't find fault with her, though, because she PARTICIPATED and COMMUNICATED. Everybody knew exactly what her ailments were the entire swap. ajanderson78, on the other hand, was MIA since the very beginning.
Several of the participants pm'd her; I e-mailed her; one of the swap coordinators sent her a letter; another participant googled her name and found her phone number so she called her and left a message. She has so far has ignored all attempts at communication.
athenamat finally got around to posting a "temporary" negative feedback on ajanderson78's profile in hopes that she'll "pull through." Whatever. I may be pleasantly surprised one day to find my fabric in the mail (or even better: the block she was supposed to make for me!), but I'm not holding my breath. If that does happen I'll post an apology for calling her a flaker (even though, technically, as late as she would be, she'd still be a flaker in my book!).
That said, I DO hope ajanderson78 is alive and well and just ignoring us, and that she's not hurt or dead and unable to communicate!
MissDisney was really offended when she has NO room to be so. A deadline's a deadline, and ajanderson78 missed it without the courtesy of communicating. MissDisney also missed the send deadline by 3 weeks (plus she was 2 weeks late sending out her fabric at the beginning of the swap). She made every excuse in the book (the "lady flu", strep throat, her husband didn't get paid, her father didn't pay his rent on time, she couldn't get to the PO, blah, blah, blah). I don't find fault with her, though, because she PARTICIPATED and COMMUNICATED. Everybody knew exactly what her ailments were the entire swap. ajanderson78, on the other hand, was MIA since the very beginning.
Several of the participants pm'd her; I e-mailed her; one of the swap coordinators sent her a letter; another participant googled her name and found her phone number so she called her and left a message. She has so far has ignored all attempts at communication.
athenamat finally got around to posting a "temporary" negative feedback on ajanderson78's profile in hopes that she'll "pull through." Whatever. I may be pleasantly surprised one day to find my fabric in the mail (or even better: the block she was supposed to make for me!), but I'm not holding my breath. If that does happen I'll post an apology for calling her a flaker (even though, technically, as late as she would be, she'd still be a flaker in my book!).
That said, I DO hope ajanderson78 is alive and well and just ignoring us, and that she's not hurt or dead and unable to communicate!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Craftster.org Block Swap
Above are #1. The blocks I made for myself, #2. blocks that others made for me (except for 2 which I don't have pictures of) and #3. the blocks I made for others.
The fabric that I used for this swap is called "City Girl" by Kitty Yoshida. I love it. The collection also came in "spa" (blue) and brown. I really like the pink and brown, though, and I"m glad those are the colors I went with.
SewConnected Fabric for November has been mailed
I took my November SewConnected fabric to the PO this morning. I spent alot of money on it, but I'm just not all that thrilled with it. We'll see what kind of blocks people can make for me out of it. I need to make myself one, too, and see what I can make out of it... I've had the fabric sitting on my desk in front of me for a week now, and I'm just not very inspired by it. Oh, well... it's too late now. I've already mailed it all out.
I DID post a note on the message board that I'm not thrilled with my fabric, and everybody could cheer me by making me some awesome blocks!
Ummm... I wonder what kind of block I can make myself? I cut the fabric into 6.75 x 16" pieces. There are 6 pieces in that size, and one piece that's 6.75 x 8". I made the last one a smaller size because I'm not sure it even goes with the other fabrics. It's chocolate brown with light blue "bubbles"/circles on it. Of the larger fabrics, there's a dark brown damask, the orange "sand dollar", the light blue Surf and Sand, a solid Kona bone, a wild floral print with brown and blue colors, and a blue-gray Surf and Sand.
I think I may try the same pattern I made for ritapizza--at least I think. Or maybe I should try something different, like from the Japanese Quilt Blocks book I have. Or, I could make up my own pattern and see how well I can do that... Shesh! There are too many choices!
I DID post a note on the message board that I'm not thrilled with my fabric, and everybody could cheer me by making me some awesome blocks!
Ummm... I wonder what kind of block I can make myself? I cut the fabric into 6.75 x 16" pieces. There are 6 pieces in that size, and one piece that's 6.75 x 8". I made the last one a smaller size because I'm not sure it even goes with the other fabrics. It's chocolate brown with light blue "bubbles"/circles on it. Of the larger fabrics, there's a dark brown damask, the orange "sand dollar", the light blue Surf and Sand, a solid Kona bone, a wild floral print with brown and blue colors, and a blue-gray Surf and Sand.
I think I may try the same pattern I made for ritapizza--at least I think. Or maybe I should try something different, like from the Japanese Quilt Blocks book I have. Or, I could make up my own pattern and see how well I can do that... Shesh! There are too many choices!
Cat Food Experiment update
My cat food experiment is going nicely. The two empty bowls this morning were Nature's Recipe (Salmon) and Solid Gold (Lamb). The Wellness (Salmon) was almost empty, and the Natural Balance (sweet pea and duck) had the most left in it. Unfortunately, my experiment is flawed; I didn't measure the same amount of food into each bowl--I just poured some in. Regardless, the cats seem to be enjoying their new foods!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Christmas Card Party!
Laura got back to me about the Christmas cards. She LOVED them! I sent the samples to work with Brian this morning. I hope she likes them as well in person as she does on screen.
She wanted to know if she should pick some she likes or if we should have another card party. I told her to pick the ones she likes and I'll cut them out for her. Then we can all get together and work on them, individually, at our own pace while we play Christmas music and drink hot chocolate. I think that sounds like a good plan. I haven't heard back if she likes that idea or not, but I don't see how she can NOT like it.
I hope I don't get her in trouble by e-mailing her at work. I put "Scheduled Lab Meeting" in the subject line just incase any spys are watching her e-mail.
She wanted to know if she should pick some she likes or if we should have another card party. I told her to pick the ones she likes and I'll cut them out for her. Then we can all get together and work on them, individually, at our own pace while we play Christmas music and drink hot chocolate. I think that sounds like a good plan. I haven't heard back if she likes that idea or not, but I don't see how she can NOT like it.
I hope I don't get her in trouble by e-mailing her at work. I put "Scheduled Lab Meeting" in the subject line just incase any spys are watching her e-mail.
Picture Mosiacs
Yesterday I learned how to make picture mosaics on Flickr Toys (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/). I already posted a mosaic of my Christmas cards, but here is a mosaic of the cards we're making for the card party (even though I already posted pictures of them).
I probably should e-mail this picture to everybody so they'll know what cards everybody else chose.
Cat Food experiment...
We are in SUCH trouble! Murray's favorite cat food is no longer being manufactured! He likes Nature's Best by Science Diet: Ocean Fish for Adult Cats. They've changed the recipe to Brown Rice and Ocean Fish, plus changed the fish shapes, and guess what? He won't eat it!
We have bought every single bag of the old stuff this town has, but now everybody's only stocking the new formula. EGADS!
So... today I started a controlled experiement (HA! Real scientific!). I bought $38 worth of different kinds of cat food from PetCo. I bought ones that we can buy 17 lb. bags of later if we discover Murray will eat any of it. First, I put their old food away so they won't be distracted by it. Next, I poured each new food into a bowl and labled the bowls so we'll know which one(s) is(are) most popular. I bought Wellness (Salmon), Natural Balance (sweet pea and duck), Solid Gold (Lamb) and Nature's Recipe (Salmon)--it's all good, holistic, expensive stuff. Moke and Ozzy like the salmon and lamb the best, but Murray is asleep right now and hasn't had a chance to try any of it. My bet is on the salmon since he liked the ocean fish one, but I'm just not sure.
We have bought every single bag of the old stuff this town has, but now everybody's only stocking the new formula. EGADS!
So... today I started a controlled experiement (HA! Real scientific!). I bought $38 worth of different kinds of cat food from PetCo. I bought ones that we can buy 17 lb. bags of later if we discover Murray will eat any of it. First, I put their old food away so they won't be distracted by it. Next, I poured each new food into a bowl and labled the bowls so we'll know which one(s) is(are) most popular. I bought Wellness (Salmon), Natural Balance (sweet pea and duck), Solid Gold (Lamb) and Nature's Recipe (Salmon)--it's all good, holistic, expensive stuff. Moke and Ozzy like the salmon and lamb the best, but Murray is asleep right now and hasn't had a chance to try any of it. My bet is on the salmon since he liked the ocean fish one, but I'm just not sure.
The dangers of Target...
Explain to me why I always spend $50 at Target every single time I go there?
Today I HAD to go because Brian broke the coffee pot. It's a Bunn and I know Walmart doesn't have replacement decanters for Bunn coffee pots so I thought I'd try Target instead. And, GUESS WHAT?! They had them!!! And they were on clearance for $4.98 so I bought the last two they had (so we'll have a spare).
I also walked out with a red Christmas t-shirt. I'll wear it for our Christmas photos this year and also to the Christmas card party we're having.
I also walked out with a bunch of junk I don't need but can't help buying simply for the fact that it's TARGET, and everything's irresistible when I'm there!
Today I HAD to go because Brian broke the coffee pot. It's a Bunn and I know Walmart doesn't have replacement decanters for Bunn coffee pots so I thought I'd try Target instead. And, GUESS WHAT?! They had them!!! And they were on clearance for $4.98 so I bought the last two they had (so we'll have a spare).
I also walked out with a red Christmas t-shirt. I'll wear it for our Christmas photos this year and also to the Christmas card party we're having.
I also walked out with a bunch of junk I don't need but can't help buying simply for the fact that it's TARGET, and everything's irresistible when I'm there!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Christmas Cards 2008
I'm so excited about the Christmas cards that I've cut with the laser! I'm able to "offer" 22 cards for Laura, Amy, Cynthia and Judy to choose from, and I'm hoping they will pass the samples around and more people will place some orders.Most of the cards are $2/card. Some are $2.25 (the Santa scene because of the laser time) or $2.50 (the ones with charms) and one is $3/card (the acrylic snowflake).
I created a "menu" with a photo of each that lists a description and any notes about the card (like "requires tacky glue") and the price per card for each of them.
At the end of the menu, I listed general notes (like "All cards are blank inside unless you want me to print a greeting for $0.10 extra per card"). I also listed an Extras section that shows pricing for tape squares dispensers, bottles of tacky glue and 5x7 envelopes instead of 4.25 x 5.5 envelopes. I'm not making any extra money off any of those things, I'll just do the shopping for them and provide it when I provide the card parts.
BGR's new favorite card is the Santa scene (middle of the second row from the bottom). That one takes a long time to cut out because the reindeer antlers are very detailed. They're also very delicate and hard to work with, but that looks like what our card will be this year because that's what he likes.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Paper Piecing CD
I got a copy of Paper Wishes' newest catalog yesterday afternoon, and found a paper piecing CD on the back cover for $14.95. Their paper piecing books (volumes 1-3) have been out of print for awhile, so they made the CD instead. I was hesitant to buy it because the designs shown are that cutesy primitative countrified look that I don't like. However, SURELY out of 606 designs I can find some that I like.
The description just says they're full sized patterns you just print out. I wonder what the file format is, and if I can cut them out with the laser? I guess I can print them out then scan them so I can use them with the laser (and that way they're resizable, too). I wonder if I'm allowed to use them on items to sell. I guess I'll have to find out.
Anyway, I also bought the ABC Paper Piecing book they have. That one has some really, really cute designs that would be GREAT for the ABC ATC swap that I'm in. I need a good "w" word, and the picture shows a "worm" (however, I just realized "words" would be a good one, too, and I can copy a page from a dictionary). Anyway, I guess on those I'll have to scan the pattern pages so I can resize the patterns to fit an ATC card.
The description just says they're full sized patterns you just print out. I wonder what the file format is, and if I can cut them out with the laser? I guess I can print them out then scan them so I can use them with the laser (and that way they're resizable, too). I wonder if I'm allowed to use them on items to sell. I guess I'll have to find out.
Anyway, I also bought the ABC Paper Piecing book they have. That one has some really, really cute designs that would be GREAT for the ABC ATC swap that I'm in. I need a good "w" word, and the picture shows a "worm" (however, I just realized "words" would be a good one, too, and I can copy a page from a dictionary). Anyway, I guess on those I'll have to scan the pattern pages so I can resize the patterns to fit an ATC card.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Card Party Cards
Below are pictures of the cards everybody selected for our November card party. I can't wait to get started on cutting everything out.
Tony's Cards (again!)
I forgot to mention yesterday that while Tony didn't like the cards I sent him, he IS interested in a custom-made card design: one with the gay pride rainbow colors, and if I would make those for him, he'd buy a set.
So... I haven't gotten around to doing that for him yet. It's a low priority right now because I'm working on Christmas card designs. However... yesterday, I recieved a check in the mail from him--for the sample cards that I sent him. I TOTALLY didn't expect payment for those cards! They were SAMPLES that he could order from if he liked them (which he didn't).
I was going to return his check to him, but then decided I'd keep it only because I'll make him the rainbow cards he wants. And, now, those cards are a higher priority because they've been paid for already. I guess I'll work on those today so I can get them sent out to him soon.
I'm going to put the squares on a white card with gold eyelets. Or at least I think I'll use gold--I'm not sure if that's too shiny or if silver or bronze or black will be better (I'll just have to play around to see which ones look best).
And, I actually have cardstock in all colors of the rainbow: ROYGBIV. The squares are going to be tiny if all 7 colors are to fit across the span of the card. I just hope the eyelet doesn't smother the square. I'm not sure if I have 1/16" eyelets or not? Do they make them that small or is 1/8" the smallest? I'll have to dig through my stash of eyelets and see what I've got.
Anyway... the other thing I'm excited about is that I'm going to cut out the circles for the card on the laser, too. That way, they'll be perfectly aligned and distributed and I won't have to eyeball the squares' placements. I had to think for a moment how to do that on the laser, but I think I have it figured out. I love a challenge!
And... He'd better not send me another check!
So... I haven't gotten around to doing that for him yet. It's a low priority right now because I'm working on Christmas card designs. However... yesterday, I recieved a check in the mail from him--for the sample cards that I sent him. I TOTALLY didn't expect payment for those cards! They were SAMPLES that he could order from if he liked them (which he didn't).
I was going to return his check to him, but then decided I'd keep it only because I'll make him the rainbow cards he wants. And, now, those cards are a higher priority because they've been paid for already. I guess I'll work on those today so I can get them sent out to him soon.
I'm going to put the squares on a white card with gold eyelets. Or at least I think I'll use gold--I'm not sure if that's too shiny or if silver or bronze or black will be better (I'll just have to play around to see which ones look best).
And, I actually have cardstock in all colors of the rainbow: ROYGBIV. The squares are going to be tiny if all 7 colors are to fit across the span of the card. I just hope the eyelet doesn't smother the square. I'm not sure if I have 1/16" eyelets or not? Do they make them that small or is 1/8" the smallest? I'll have to dig through my stash of eyelets and see what I've got.
Anyway... the other thing I'm excited about is that I'm going to cut out the circles for the card on the laser, too. That way, they'll be perfectly aligned and distributed and I won't have to eyeball the squares' placements. I had to think for a moment how to do that on the laser, but I think I have it figured out. I love a challenge!
And... He'd better not send me another check!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Cardstock Colors
I have a bunch of PaperAccents and Bazzill Basics cardstocks, and I just LOVE the names:
French Roast
Sable
Coca Coca
Ocean Swell
Sea Breeze
Caramel Corn
Honey
Wasabi (my new favorite color)
Bubblegum
High Roller
Cactus
Clover
Aristocrat
Blue Color
Winter Blue
Tin Can
Dusty Miller
Aluminum
Black Pepper
Blue Ribbon
Mist
Blue Streak
SunBeam
Lemonade
Dijon
Sprout
Toast
Desert Sand
Butternut Orange
Vanilla
Flamingo
Cherry Blossom
Cherub
Tender Pink
Lily Pad
Gecko
Pickle
How much fun are those names! Plus I love the texture. The PaperAccents cardstock is called "Muslin" texture. The Bazzill Basics cardstock doesn't have a texture name, I don't think--it's just their regular (nice) stuff.
Can you tell I have a paper fetish?!
Plus I have TONS of Folia cardstock. It is also a heavy-weight textured cardstock, but the names are just generic: red, blue, green. I think the yellow is called "lemon yellow", but that's about as wild as they get.
French Roast
Sable
Coca Coca
Ocean Swell
Sea Breeze
Caramel Corn
Honey
Wasabi (my new favorite color)
Bubblegum
High Roller
Cactus
Clover
Aristocrat
Blue Color
Winter Blue
Tin Can
Dusty Miller
Aluminum
Black Pepper
Blue Ribbon
Mist
Blue Streak
SunBeam
Lemonade
Dijon
Sprout
Toast
Desert Sand
Butternut Orange
Vanilla
Flamingo
Cherry Blossom
Cherub
Tender Pink
Lily Pad
Gecko
Pickle
How much fun are those names! Plus I love the texture. The PaperAccents cardstock is called "Muslin" texture. The Bazzill Basics cardstock doesn't have a texture name, I don't think--it's just their regular (nice) stuff.
Can you tell I have a paper fetish?!
Plus I have TONS of Folia cardstock. It is also a heavy-weight textured cardstock, but the names are just generic: red, blue, green. I think the yellow is called "lemon yellow", but that's about as wild as they get.
Newest Card Party! (Plus Christmas Cards)
Had dinner Saturday night with "the gang." I'm so excited: the ladies scheduled another card party! They initially decided that 10 cards was too many to do so they wanted to do 8 instead. I took 25 cards over, and they decided that each of them would select 2 cards from the 25 and those would be the ones we'd make. Well... Judy selected 4 cards and then couldn't pick which 2 of those she wanted to make. So, she said, "I'm inviting somebody so I'll just pick her two cards for her!" So, we're back up to 10 cards instead of 8.
The good news is they chose some cards that are VERY simple to make: just glue the element to the card, and it's finished. I can intersperse those types of cards with the more difficult cards #1. to keep their interest and #2. so they don't get frustrated.
I'm glad they got to pick the cards they wanted to do. If it had been up to me, I would have chosen cards that didn't suit their needs (like wedding and baby cards because they're CUTE cards). However, they mostly chose thank you and blank cards instead because at this stage in our lives everybody's married already and has grown kids. I am mostly surprised they didn't choose the "cheers!" card. I know Laura liked it, but that's not one she chose for her selection.
Card parties work like this: I bring all the stuff and people show up. The end. And it's FUN! It's just like a Tupperware party or Pampered Chef party or whatnot: drinks and snacks beforehand while people show up and the party afterwards.
The stuff I bring: a plastic table cloth to cover the table, glue sticks and white glue for everybody plus all of the cardstock cards, laser-cut elements, glitter, rhinestones, charms, beads and ribbon to make 10 cards each for however many people will be there. I made a cute display centerpiece for the sample cards; it's a flower pot filled with wooden skewers that I glued alligator clips on the ends of. The cards are then clipped to the alligator clips.
Also... I intended to have Christmas cards to show everybody--hoping to get a couple of orders for those. I'm SOOOOO glad I didn't get around to making them. This way I "booked" a card party of all occasion cards, AND I'll get a chance to sell some Christmas cards as well. I'm afraid if I'd had the Christmas cards available, they would have opted to just make those instead, and this way I can have both. Now that was smart, but only in hindsight!
So far, I've made 6 Christmas cards, but I'm only pleased with 2 of them. I'm running them through the printer to print things on them. I have two "Merry Christmas" ones (the two I'm happy with) and one "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (I don't like the latter one). The others that I'm not happy with are blank. One of those is a row of 5 or 6 different snowflakes that span the width of a winter blue-colored wide card. The centers each have rhinestones in the middle. That card will be more expensive to account for all those rhinestones. It's only an okay card.
Today, I'm working on an engraved cork Christmas tree. I'll put that on a kraft cardstock base and see how I like that... I'm just not sure about that, but it's worth a try.
And, I want to try a white reindeer. The problem with that is that it needs glitter and I don't know how to sell glitter if somebody wants to buy that particular design. I guess I can have a list of consumable items people can buy (like a tube of glitter for $3 or $4--I'm not sure how much a tube of glitter is...???). Other consumable items: dispensers of dry adhesive and tape runners. I just calculated those, and they cost me $2.50 each plus tax. So I could sell them for that amount or $.50 more to cover the tax.
Also... (back to designs): I also have some QuicKutz Christmas shapes I can cut out. I think there's a mitten and a jingle bell. I think there's also a Santa head and maybe a stocking. And if there's not a stocking then I need to find a clipart I can laser cut because that would be a good one to cut out of patterned paper.
The good news is they chose some cards that are VERY simple to make: just glue the element to the card, and it's finished. I can intersperse those types of cards with the more difficult cards #1. to keep their interest and #2. so they don't get frustrated.
I'm glad they got to pick the cards they wanted to do. If it had been up to me, I would have chosen cards that didn't suit their needs (like wedding and baby cards because they're CUTE cards). However, they mostly chose thank you and blank cards instead because at this stage in our lives everybody's married already and has grown kids. I am mostly surprised they didn't choose the "cheers!" card. I know Laura liked it, but that's not one she chose for her selection.
Card parties work like this: I bring all the stuff and people show up. The end. And it's FUN! It's just like a Tupperware party or Pampered Chef party or whatnot: drinks and snacks beforehand while people show up and the party afterwards.
The stuff I bring: a plastic table cloth to cover the table, glue sticks and white glue for everybody plus all of the cardstock cards, laser-cut elements, glitter, rhinestones, charms, beads and ribbon to make 10 cards each for however many people will be there. I made a cute display centerpiece for the sample cards; it's a flower pot filled with wooden skewers that I glued alligator clips on the ends of. The cards are then clipped to the alligator clips.
Also... I intended to have Christmas cards to show everybody--hoping to get a couple of orders for those. I'm SOOOOO glad I didn't get around to making them. This way I "booked" a card party of all occasion cards, AND I'll get a chance to sell some Christmas cards as well. I'm afraid if I'd had the Christmas cards available, they would have opted to just make those instead, and this way I can have both. Now that was smart, but only in hindsight!
So far, I've made 6 Christmas cards, but I'm only pleased with 2 of them. I'm running them through the printer to print things on them. I have two "Merry Christmas" ones (the two I'm happy with) and one "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (I don't like the latter one). The others that I'm not happy with are blank. One of those is a row of 5 or 6 different snowflakes that span the width of a winter blue-colored wide card. The centers each have rhinestones in the middle. That card will be more expensive to account for all those rhinestones. It's only an okay card.
Today, I'm working on an engraved cork Christmas tree. I'll put that on a kraft cardstock base and see how I like that... I'm just not sure about that, but it's worth a try.
And, I want to try a white reindeer. The problem with that is that it needs glitter and I don't know how to sell glitter if somebody wants to buy that particular design. I guess I can have a list of consumable items people can buy (like a tube of glitter for $3 or $4--I'm not sure how much a tube of glitter is...???). Other consumable items: dispensers of dry adhesive and tape runners. I just calculated those, and they cost me $2.50 each plus tax. So I could sell them for that amount or $.50 more to cover the tax.
Also... (back to designs): I also have some QuicKutz Christmas shapes I can cut out. I think there's a mitten and a jingle bell. I think there's also a Santa head and maybe a stocking. And if there's not a stocking then I need to find a clipart I can laser cut because that would be a good one to cut out of patterned paper.
Tony's Cards
I forgot to mention that Tony DIDN'T LIKE THE CARDS I SENT HIM! How is that possible? They were NICE cards! Well... he DID like the one with the three squares, but it needs to be in a smaller size. #1. I don't have envelopes in a smaller size, and #2. Smaller sized cards would still be the same price because I'm destroying a full sheet of 8.5 x 11" cardstock to get two cards in a smaller size.
I wonder if the price was an issue. I told him they would be $2.50/cards. Considering I sell cards on Etsy for $3.50 a pop, he was getting a deal on original, handmade cards.
The good news is that I learned alot by designing for him; I wouldn't have thought about engraved cork if I hadn't done this work for him. I've already "booked" another card class, and the engraved cork cards were the biggest "hit". (Ha! So there, Tony!)
Also, another friend asked for a very specific card: one with a quail on it. That left me stumped for awhile. How in the world would YOU do a quail card? Anyway, I was able to do an engraved cork quail, matted in brown with a bronze eyelet beneath it. I pasted all of that on a cream, linen card base. It is a very, very pretty card that he really liked. (Ha! So there, Tony!)
I'm working on Christmas cards now, and I think an engraved cork Christmas tree, might be pretty on a kraft cardstock base. I'll play around with that today and see if I like it or not.
I wonder if the price was an issue. I told him they would be $2.50/cards. Considering I sell cards on Etsy for $3.50 a pop, he was getting a deal on original, handmade cards.
The good news is that I learned alot by designing for him; I wouldn't have thought about engraved cork if I hadn't done this work for him. I've already "booked" another card class, and the engraved cork cards were the biggest "hit". (Ha! So there, Tony!)
Also, another friend asked for a very specific card: one with a quail on it. That left me stumped for awhile. How in the world would YOU do a quail card? Anyway, I was able to do an engraved cork quail, matted in brown with a bronze eyelet beneath it. I pasted all of that on a cream, linen card base. It is a very, very pretty card that he really liked. (Ha! So there, Tony!)
I'm working on Christmas cards now, and I think an engraved cork Christmas tree, might be pretty on a kraft cardstock base. I'll play around with that today and see if I like it or not.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Dollar Store find!
This may be something stupid to blog about, but I'm thrilled!
Yesterday, at the Dollar store I picked up some ziplip bags to package my SewConnected fabric in. While I was there, I tripped across some packages of Miss Elizabeth's adhesive foam squares!!! This is very exciting because for my card classes, I've been having everybody cut 3mm foam and use white glue to "pop" off elements from the card. Now, all they have to do is peel off a foam square!
Well, I HOPE it's a good find. I haven't tried any out yet. It'll suck if the stuff is no good. I bought four packages, though. I'm afraid it would be gone if I went back later.
[Edit:] The foam squares work GREAT! I went back and bought 5 more packages.
Yesterday, at the Dollar store I picked up some ziplip bags to package my SewConnected fabric in. While I was there, I tripped across some packages of Miss Elizabeth's adhesive foam squares!!! This is very exciting because for my card classes, I've been having everybody cut 3mm foam and use white glue to "pop" off elements from the card. Now, all they have to do is peel off a foam square!
Well, I HOPE it's a good find. I haven't tried any out yet. It'll suck if the stuff is no good. I bought four packages, though. I'm afraid it would be gone if I went back later.
[Edit:] The foam squares work GREAT! I went back and bought 5 more packages.
Fabric "wrappers"
I finally got all my fabric for the SewConnected group laser-cut. I "packaged" it all together with a little cardstock "belt." I think it looks soooo cute!
I'm also making thank you ATCs to send along with the fabric. I made 1.5" log cabin blocks that I'm adhering to the 2.5x3.5" backgrounds. I'm not all that thrilled with the colors (I HOPE that's not an indicator that I'm going to hate the blocks that get made for me!), but the tiny block is soooo cute. All I need to do to finish is cut the mat board backing and iron everything together (I backed all the fabric with WonderUnder so I just have to iron it to make it stick).
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Block for ritapizza!
I finished ritapizza's block this afternoon. I added a ribbon tag in the upper left hand corner and some rick-rack trim to the bottom right corner. I'm pleased with how this block turned out.
Even though it's only October 4, I still feel like I was dragging my feet to get it finished (I have until the end of the month!)! I think I'm nervous about being out of my league since this is quite a group of quilters I'm working with.
Next project is to starch my fabric, laser-cut it and package it to send out. I'm putting scalloped paper "belts" around the little fabric bundles.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Etsy Cards
Okay... maybe if I write this out so the whole public can see it then I'll be motivated to actually do it: I need to relist my cards on Etsy because all but one listing has expired! I haven't given up on selling on Etsy, however, there are THOUSANDS of pages of cards. I just need to post entries every weekend to keep my name at the top of the list.
I also want to sell some laser cuts I've come up with. I can sell them in sets of 10 for $7. I've got some cute wedding dresses and some wonderful wedding cakes. All they need is a dash of glitter or rhinestones and they'll make beautiful bridal shower invites.
Check out my Esty store at www.thelaserbeam.etsy.com.
I also want to sell some laser cuts I've come up with. I can sell them in sets of 10 for $7. I've got some cute wedding dresses and some wonderful wedding cakes. All they need is a dash of glitter or rhinestones and they'll make beautiful bridal shower invites.
Check out my Esty store at www.thelaserbeam.etsy.com.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
More Cards for Men
Hard to see in the photo, but these are the cards I've come up with so far for Tony. The two on the right have engraved cork; the top one is a wrought iron fence and the bottom one is a leaf. The top left one is simple with three metallic blue squares with bronze eyelets in the centers. I don't like the bottom left one at all, and I probably won't even send him that one. Even though the three squares one is the most simple I've made so far, I think it's my favorite!
My brother got back to me on some masculine themes I could use on these cards: beer, naked women, hunting, fishing, sports and big screen TVs. I thought that was pretty funny! But even funnier is that I have graphics for each of these themes that I can engrave into the cork!
My goal is to come up with 2 kraft, 2 cream&brown and 2 black&white cards to send him to choose from. I'm debating on including an envelope of "make-your-own" elements that he can pick and choose from to design his own card. I'm not sure if that's a good idea or not.
Funny thing is.... these cards look alot like sympathy cards to me, and I think I may submit them for publication as such!
Ummmm... my paragraphs are being eaten again so this post is one big paragraph. I hate it when that happens!
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