I've Got Goals

I wrote out a list of goals for the month yesterday. Broke them into 4 categories and wrote VERY specific goals.

This is a first for me. To be so organized in my goal-making.

But I have to. This is a big month for me. Holiday sales on Etsy, NaNoWriMo is starting (I am not participating, but I do have BIG goals for my novel for the month).

And last month I felt like I was paddling, paddling, paddling, and getting absolutely nowhere. I don't like that feeling at all.

So now everything is outlined. I have people who will hold me accountable. And now it's time. Time for the hard work that makes goals so difficult to keep.

Wrapping my Mind around Things

Good morning! I listed (and relisted) some photos in my Etsy shop yesterday, including this spinning wheel photo! Also, please check out my SALE!!!

I had a really nice weekend with an old friend. We had a great time. We took him to see Multnomah Falls, The Portland Saturday Market, and Powell's. Sunday we went shooting, and throughout the weekend we played lots of wii. I had to wrap my mind around the visit so many times. We had each grown, so much... and we were so not the same. This was my first love, my boyfriend for years, my confidante... and yes, I'm still trying to grasp the changes. None bad, per se... but we have grown so differently.

Anyway, I hope we can all make this the best Monday that we can!

The life of a writer...

Last night went exactly as planned. I got home, got dinner made, did a few chores, and by 6pm, was sitting down to write. I wrote until bedtime. It was so nice! Tonight is more of the same, with a few more chores added in. But writing... writing... writing.

My novel is taking turns that I never had anticipated. I write with a set plan, and then she veers off, and she is way more interesting this way. My plan is to totally go with it. If it doesn't work, it will get edited out later.

A question for you writers out there... is that normal? For them to take on a life of their own?

As far as my etsy shop goes, I got more leathers this past weekend and will photo them soon. My fave new color that I got is seafoam green. I also got a bright pink, green, a gorgeous burgundy/red, black, and distressed brown. I can hardly wait to use them all!!

The Right Balance

I had an amazing, refreshing weekend. It was the perfect balance of family, friends, and productivity. Quite amazing, really.

Today is the big unveil for the "new" products amongst my group of friends on Etsy. I enjoyed making mine yesterday. I will be posting my 5 new items throughout the day, so be sure to check out www.robynsart.etsy.com . One hint. My new products are not necessarily a new-to-me product. But... I will say less cookie cutter.

I took a lot of photos on Saturday. The mail goal was a sunset photo, but I took pics all day. If you'll remember, I've been struggling with not feeling the desire to take photos since Dad died. But I packed up my cameras and I did it. As I was setting up my tripod for the sunset pic, a friend pointed out a rainbow right behind me. I felt like that was Dad, blessing what I was doing.

I hope you all have an amazing week... try to find that balance.

Little Fish

Sometimes when promoting, I feel like a little fish in a big big sea. It's difficult to be seen, difficult to move forward to a new audience when you've saturated your market. But, we must all keep swimming. I knew when I started making my Love Letters Art Journal for Connie's class that it could very well take over, and that was ok. However, though it's keeping me busy, I am still inspired to keep it fresh. My friend Kevin has challenged a group of us to unveil something new on April 26. And I have decided that I will have several somethings!

No real hints now... but they are all in the same realm of items that are already in my shop. I'm looking forward to coming up with new, and looking forward to planning the unveil. Please check in www.robynsart.etsy.com throughout the day on April 26, or let me know on facebook what you think! I will be posting there as well!

The purpose of this post? To make me accountable. Now you know, and I have no choice but to follow through! I hope you all have an amazing day...

Renewal

I sold the very last journal out of my shop yesterday. Today, all of my boxes of crafting supplies are getting moved to the new apartment. Yesterday I smudged the new apartment, but I will smudge again after everything is moved in. Above is the new bed and bedding!

I feel, in every sense of the word, that life can start fresh. That the slate is clean, life is good, and it'll be what I make of it. I will unpack mindfully, and I am sure that I will donate a lot of my "stuff" to Goodwill after I organize everything. I will make things clean, nice, and uncluttered. I will create a sanctuary, and honour my new space.

My shop will be seeing some changes as well. I've ordered some new supplies for new products. I'll be toying with a leather bound journal idea. Journals will make their way back into my shop, both the kind I've always made (with some new twists), and eventually leather bound, and possibly different bindings.

I do hope you'll stick around and see what comes of all this! After I'm all settled, I will post pics of my new space!

Just Stuff

I bought a special journal for my dad journal. It has a soft blue leather cover. I haven't bought a journal in so long, it was fun to go through the selection... I picked up so many and felt them. I have been toying with the idea of leather wrapped journals. That dream is getting closer and I think I will be learning how to do that soon.

I also ordered some supplies yesterday for new products for my shop, and will replenish the journal supply shortly after the move. However, in the meantime, check out the new photos I've added... many have a soft, feminine touch.

That reminds me. I'm still debating on whether or not to put my shop on vacation mode while I move. I've heard pros and cons. Any thoughts?

The past two nights, I've been unable to sleep well. Lots of weird dreams, tossing and turning. Waking several times throughout the night. So tonight, with no early alarm tomorrow, I'm taking melatonin and getting back on track with my sleep.

Sunday's the day we get our keys!!!

Not real?? Puh-lease

I have made some amazing friends online. A soul-sister that I never knew I had til she completed me. I've been with online friends through illness, pregnancy, childbirth, heartache, and now chemo... yet I do know people who would disregard any connection made online as 'not real'.

That would be the same as saying my business is not real because it's online. But, as I'm very near 200 sales, I can assure you that it is indeed real. Just as these friendships are... these people have touched my heart in ways I never knew possible. I've learned a lot of people skills, actually. And they do carry over into real life.

I'm in a forum on etsy where we always encourage one another, we help each other through... my family, I call it... and I've learned how to FEEL more (I was very good at having a hard outer protective shell). I've learned how to trust and how to reach out. And most of all, I've learned how to reach out and help others up.

I learn through conversations with my online friends that I miss my family and must call them. I learn that if I am struggling, I can lean on them. If I need a shoulder to cry on, they are there and I don't even have to worry about getting makeup on their shirts!

I am rambling now... just wanted to say to my online friends.... I love you guys and I'm so thankful for our very real relationships...

Meet SewNook

1. What is your craft of choice, and how long have you been doing that?

I enjoy sewing the most and have been doing that consistently for about 10 years. I like to challenge myself by finding new ways to apply sewing to varying crafts.

2. How did you get started?

I was influenced by my Mother. She is a quilter and made my clothes for me when I was a child. She taught me how to sew when I was about 16 and I remember attending quilt shows with her.

3. What is your inspiration?

I am inspired by the fabric I see and choose. I am drawn to fabrics and from there; I decide what to make with them.

4. How long have you been on Etsy?

Just over one year.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Just as happy as I am now with life and family and SewNook will have evolved into a profitable business.

6. What is the most challenging thing about having an online business?

Time management is the most challenging, but I have been able to implement a lot of my skills as a Virtual Assistant for managing SewNook.

7. What is the most rewarding thing about having an online business?

For me, the most rewarding part of having an online business is seeing how it has evolved and the excitement of the possibilities to come.

8. How does your internet business fit into your life? Is it your job or do you have another job as well?

I have three jobs. Taking care of our two year old son, SewNook.Etsy.com, and I am a Virtual Assistant for TodaysAdmin.com.

9. When you are not crafting, how do you spend your time?

I enjoy every spare moment with my husband and son.

10. Are there any links you’d like to share?

1. Meetup.com for face-to-face networking opportunities.

2. PrimoPdf.com for an affordable way to print the patterns you develop.

3. TodaysAdmin.com for administrative support, which for crafters, can be bookkeeping, website and newsletter updates, and anything else you may need to delegate so you can spend more time with customers and on your crafts.

An Amazing Day

Yesterday was quite an amazing day! It brought many many sales in my Etsy shop and also a custom journal request! It was exciting! And today, I'm going to the post office. Life is pretty awesome at times, isn't it?

I have been thinking a lot about my dad lately. I really must call him tonight. I get so caught up in my little world sometimes. Time to do better!

I have been pondering the thought of putting together a PDF of how-to's on journal making for my shop. Either that or an online class. I'd love thoughts about that. I'm a little nervous here, so any input would be really appreciated!

And I'm still working on my new product line. Here's your first clue. Inspirational. Yep, that's all I'm giving you for now :-)

I hope today is just as amazing as yesterday, for all of us, in every way possible!

A day off

Today I'm taking the day off! I am spending it with my boys. It will be a relaxing day, with a trip to the craft store and some journal making. I'm also going to photo some completed journals and list them. For dinner, we are going to a local cafe that they saw on Food Network. I think it's going to be a wonderful day!

I will be running a sale exclusively for my fans on facebook soon! If you'd like to be included, please click on the link that says 'become a fan' at

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Tualatin-OR/Robyns-Art/41056597613 Thank you!

You know how you go to clean your house... and it's always dirtier before it gets clean? I think that's how my life is right now. I need to stir some stuff up to get it all in order. I know that I'm moving forward, no matter how small the steps are. I'll get there... just not much of a sprinter :-)

I hope that all of you have a wonderful day! Etsy artisan interviews coming soon!

Always Moving Forward

I now have a facebook business page! If you have facebook, please click on the "become a fan" link... why? Because I'll be posting each and every new Etsy listing on there, and having special sales for my fans periodically! Maybe a giveaway here and there as well! It can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Tualatin-OR/Robyns-Art/41056597613

I will be featuring etsy artisans in interviews again soon. I used to run this every Wednesday, but we'll see where it falls now. If you'd like to be interviewed, please email me, or leave me a comment!

I feel a new direction coming on in my photography and in my shop. I hope to add some new stuff very soon. Of course, I'll keep you aprised of it (though you'll know quicker if you fan me ;-P).

I'm still putting one foot in front of the other... taking life one day at a time, one breath at a time.

Life is good

I took this photo in Newport on Sunday... oh how I love daisies. I love them in every shape, size and color. But truthfully, Shasta Daisies are my favorite.

I came home from work early yesterday. I was very pleasantly surprised that even though I hadn't left a chore list my boys had emptied the dishwasher, reloaded it, started it, and wiped down all the countertops in the kitchen. Niiiice! I took my youngest to the pool. I sat there, watching him. And I sat there melting. It was at least 100 degrees! It's supposed to be even hotter today and tomorrow. The not so great part about that is that our work air conditioner will not keep up! When I left yesterday it was already 80 degrees inside the building and it wasn't done! So I will be doing a lot of sweating.

I listed 2 new photos yesterday. And 2 new journals. Hopefully more will come today. I feel really good about most areas of my life lately. Those areas that I don't feel good about, well, baby steps, but steps forward nonetheless. Making the changes that make sense for me.

I hope we all have the wisdom to make those changes in our lives. To make life exactly what we NEED it to be!

Enjoying Life

I took this photo yesterday in Newport, Oregon. We had an amazingly fun and full day there! We went to the tidepools, we played in caves along the beach, we walked downtown and saw the crabby crabby sea lions. Then we went to a glass blowing studio.

It reignited my desire to become a glassblower, and I will be looking into local classes!

Sales over the weekend were absolutely amazing and I feel blessed by every one!

The summer is going by fast, but I'm still intent on squeezing a lot into every moment I have. Yet still trying to keep to my normal bedtime, and having some time to regroup. It's tough, yes, but days like yesterday tell me that it's all worth it!

Look What I got!!!

This is me with my new camera! I finally got a DSLR!!! I'm currently looking for extra lenses for it, so I can do my beloved macros, but I absolutely love it! I am now carrying both cameras with me everywhere. That's a lot to lug around! But perhaps the full transition will happen once I get comfy with it.

This Sunday will come with a trip to the coast. Lots of pictures of the boys in the tide pools. And you never know, Saturday may come with photo opportunities of it's own!

I woke up this morning to a sale. I had resigned myself to not selling much during the summer, as I've decreased my marketing time. But I sold one of the first journals I had ever listed, and to a complete stranger. The chorus of 'Walking on Sunshine' actually went through my head!

It's so funny how something so small can lift my spirits. I have been down. DOWN... the past couple of days. And waking up to a sale certainly brightened my outlook!

I wish each of you that sunshine. Something that will pick you up when you are down. Something that reminds you that life is good.

Exhaustion, an interrupted schedule...

This morning I have to go in for a fasting blood draw... just for a thyroid level check and cholesterol screen. That means no coffee for me this morning. Ugh!!

Life has been stressful lately. You know, even change that will end up being good is hard on a person! There's been lots of drama. And I don't like drama!

On a good note, business has been good. I'm now at 67 sales and am enjoying making quite a few custom journals. Today I'm working on one with my Daisy Duet photo on the cover. This weekend I'll be working on another with thick green paper as the cover and my Blue Tree photo on it. I even sold one of my jellyfish photos last night! I love having my etsy shop! It gives me such a wonderful outlet and I have made lots of new friends.

A long weekend is definitely in order. I will try to get caught up on everything etsy-wise, and have time to relax.

My blood draw is about 8 my time (that's when the lab opens)... so, Dad, I'll be calling you around that time.

Creating an Etsy Account... the Preamble

I have been browsing the shops on Etsy quite a bit lately, and there is some astounding talent out there! I find so many treasures every single day. Someone asked the other day if I had a 'normal' website to purchase from. You see, Etsy requires you to login in order to purchase. All you have to do is input an email address, a login and a password, plus paypal or other payment info. It's not difficult. But apparently that deters some people. Those people will miss out on so many treasures.

I think I will have a friend create an Etsy account over the weekend and put a step-by-step tutorial on here, in case any of you need help creating an etsy account. Before doing that though, what have you thought or heard? What is holding people back from creating an account even though they want stuff on Etsy? I'd like my tutorial to be as thorough as possible, so any and all questions and concerns will be researched prior to posting the tutorial.

Please leave comments about the account setup process, or why any of it would deter people. What you've thought, what you've heard...

To Accomodate a Request

These are the promotional items that I received. Wonderful pictures she took, huh? And quite honestly, they are more amazing in person. She also sent me a free gift-- a keychain with my etsy logo on it. She will be listing those in her shop soon! If you'd like to see what PromoPixie has available, click on any of the photos to be taken to her shop! The magnetic car decals are really tempting me now...

What a Weekend!

In the past weeks, I have just not been feeling the photography thing. I've listed some new photos here and there in my shop, but they were ones I already had stored on my hard drive. Sunday, however, a trip to Newport, Oregon remedied that! I have an online friend who wants to collect photos of all the Oregon lighthouses. So, lighthouse hunting we went! The one pictured above is called the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It is the tallest one in Oregon. There is another one in Newport as well, that's a lighthouse on top of a house, and it was decommissioned in 1874. I have several of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in my shop now. The ones I took of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (on the house) will be in my shop soon. The really pleasant surprise was that the house had been restored to the time period, and I got pictures of different things. You can see the beginning of my series "From Days Gone By" in my shop now. More to come as I edit them.

Right down the beach from the Yaquina (pronounced ya-kwin-ah) Head Lighthouse is a huge tidepool area. We spent an hour there, and I snapped away! My love of photography has been reaffirmed!

I listed 7 new photos last night, and there are many more to come. Please let me know what you think of them! I also listed my friendship journals. And at least one other journal will be listed today, then hopefully another tomorrow. It sounds like I've been busy. Well, I have, but the kind of busy that makes me happy and keeps me alive. I have re-discovered my bliss. What a feeling! I wish the same for all of you!

A rewarding week, but a week of exhaustion too

I am exhausted. I've slept so much this week (well, the extra 8 hours on Wednesday), but I went to work for a full day yesterday and today I'm exhausted. I am going to relax this weekend. And sleep in. Heaven.

I'm no longer creating for nothing... creating and listing with no sales. I'm selling, I'm relisting, I'm making more. It's awesome. I can't believe all the places I've mailed my items off to! I love when I address the packages... "oooh, this one's going to Tennessee :-)". And I'm starting to see repeat customers, so that's really cool too!

I will be working on the friendship journals this weekend. Or Mother/Daughter, Brother/Sister, Sisters.... and hopefully will be debuting them next week! Along with some others, and hopefully some more photos. I have so many stored, just haven't listed them yet!

Another thing I've been doing is stocking up for Christmas. All through Etsy! There's such a wide variety of items on there. In fact, I've even started buying bubble mailers for my business on there! And I have some amazing promotional items on order. I just have to show you something amazing... I have a wonderful friend now, she goes by PromoPixie on etsy... and look what she created for me!!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24353277 I can't wait to receive it! Now if I do craft shows, I'll wear that, and I'll also have lots of other promo materials for it! All thanks to such a smart little pixie!

It's really beginning to feel like a real business now! It's evolving every single day! It's been very rewarding!