Sunday, August 24, 2008

Custom Blues




Well, I guess as the old saying goes, "You win some, you lose some; and some get rained out". I was so excited at the end of the week because I had a convo on Etsy to make up a custom wreath, I sold my Truely Turquoise necklace and I had been commissioned outside of Etsy to make up a necklace and earrings for a lady in Texas. Yesterday, I finished up the necklace and earrings and purchased the greenery that I needed for the wreath. Today I spent close to 2 hours working to create the wreath and was pleased with my end result. We got a break in the clouds and I photographed both jewelry and floral and emailed pictures to the prospective buyers. Hallelujah, the jewelry was a hit, buyer was thrilled, seller is thrilled, happy ending. That's my win some. Unfortuneately, wreath buyer backed out. Wasn't what she wanted after all but I still listed it to Etsy because it's a good design and someone else may grab it up. I guess that's my "some get rained out". The Truely Turquoise necklace is still sitting here, all packaged up with no where to go. I have not heard boo from the buyer since I got the Etsy email informing me of the purchase Thursday night. So I'm not sure where to go from here. I guess if I don't have confirmation of payment by Tuesday, that will be over 4 days and I will figure out how to cancel the sale. That's my lose some.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Uplifting!


It's been a while since I've posted. Been busy with life, the good and the not so good. Have two loved ones right now with health issues and naturally, that is worrisome. One will have resolution soon but the other will not, primarily due to lack of health insurance. I will help what I can, but it will be a struggle to put together the money so treatment can be obtained. My job has been very stressful for a while now and I feel I'm burning out. What keeps me sane and keeping on is my family and my art. My grandson "graduated" from Early Headstart this week at the ripe old age of 3. We had a lovely evening in our little local park and zoo, eating pizza and cupcakes and watching the kids all get their pictures taken in a little cap and gown. Ashton was not too keen on wearing the cap or gown but he had a blast looking at the animals and running with the other children. His sister's favorite part was her cupcake. Emily's 10 months and managed to get more frosting on her face than in her mouth! Of course, Grandma got pictures.


Then there's my beads and my floral work. I finally got my September challenge piece done this past week and I am very proud of it. I feel it's one of the best pieces I've ever done. Evidently, others think so too, because I have received so many compliments from people who have seen it. In fact, this evening when I logged in to Etsy (after a Very long day at work) I found two convos waiting for me. Convos are always very exciting! The first was from someone inquiring if I would make a custom wreath. Evidently, they liked my Kansas Color wreath well enough to get in touch with me. Of course, I responded in the affirmative so we'll see where that leads. Hopefully, to a sale and a satisfied customer. The second convo was from a fellow EBW'er and even though it was not about a sale, it probably lifted my spirits as much or more than a sale. She convo'd me just to tell me how much she admired my Tears of Joy and was very lavish in her compliments. I've looked at the things in her shop and she has some pretty amazing things herself, so I considered this high praise, indeed. To receive the recognition of ones peers is something I think we all strive for as designers and artists. I'm going to try to follow her example and when I see something that really moves me, I'm going to make the extra effort to let that person know. I know I'm going to be riding high for a while because someone took the time to share with me. Thanks!