longer than expected

Yeah its taking longer than expected.
Due to the unusual freezing cold temps here in the southwest the garage/ studio renovation is behind schedule.
This wood paneling was pulled off in some spots exposing wood rot and the leak on the roof is still leaking though the roofer supposedly repaired it twice.
No insulation or drywall on one side then the other side has drywall and no insulation them more wood paneling inside. So all of this equals more sweat for me! LOL
I have things listed on all sites that are ready to ship. But until the renovation is complete I don't see to much new stuff being listed.
I'm ok with that.

I tell you I am still painting and stuff and feel this wonderful sense of balance that I haven't felt in some time. I can't wait to have my own personal studio that is leak free and organized. Until then let the snow melt and sun shine so I can go up and fix my own roof! LOL

blog change

Ok so for a long time this blog was used to piss off stupid people.
Yeah i know....

So not what a blog could be used for.
Hey but it worked! teehee!

There were other than savory folks that I got myself associated with and then was mostly pissed at myself for letting my good name and business name get tangled up so wretchedly.

Ever so wretchedly.

So now for the new year I think this will be about what is going on with Art Of the Craft Studios- the BUSINESS.

I, the co-owner, am an artist.
A very passionate artist at that.

No I'm far from the best but gosh darn it, I LOVE what I do!

So this quick note is just to tell my dear readers there shall be no more rants here. Just News news and more news.

As for my art, as I develop, that is being dedicated to an entirely new blog that so far for the last few months is a wonderfully peaceful place that I love to be and show pictures of my home and my artwork.

Sometimes the key to prosperity is separating yourself from negativity, allowing the most beautiful parts of one self to grow and to shine.

So as of right now for this moment...

there is no news....;-)

The Etsy shop is getting bare. I know.

But my veritable "OCD" is driving me to finish the works I have started here. My heart and soul requires it. My studio is about to become a REAL ROOM instead of a storage of lost wonders that is is now. Until I can part from the creations in my daughters' room. I cannot even bring myself to create in that cramped area.... and we're waiting for tax $ to put in the window and wall where the small garage door used to be...:-)

I have a feeling that great art will be born here.

soon.

xoxo...:-)

as planned....or not....either way its good!

Ok so I was sewing away and made some cool stuff that got snatched up literally as I was cutting the last thread LOL

Turns out since the shopping depression of the '09 recession the locals like my "out of the box" clothing I make by hand for little girls. Yes I daresay I have a local following, ever since studying a few Indie clothiers late last year, I think I am learning a thing or two....Like....

• Never mass produce. (which, if you follow my ebay sales in childrens clothing you know I ALREADY knew that! LOL)

• Always have a plan, but don't fear to stray and develop as you go sometimes it yields the most wonderful fruit of your labor.

• last but not least. ORIGINALITY. Yeah it may seem like a foreign concept to other designers but hey its true and we all know it. Don't be afraid to try something new and different. Imagine setting the trend and not having to search for what to copy that is selling. Crazy right? But it can be done and really should be practiced more.:-)

Ok so to make it short, I've got nothing to show ya. LOL

At this point I may never take my items back to ebay or online at all. There is something about seeing the child my clothing is for and even better interacting then when it comes to sculpting a special outfit, I can think of that certain "something" to include that I know will tickle them letting them know "this is just for you". I don't know how to market that but hey maybe I will just let fate have its way and guide my customers to my door. Maybe quite literally indeed.

For now I have fallen in love with my walls. My "new to me" home is my great canvas and with, quite literally, blood, sweat, tears and a fair amount of creativity I am slowly making it into my art haven inside and out. There will be only beauty and creativity found here.


SO the business is in the back burner, so to speak, and I could not care less! LOL but ideas are flowing through. As I make my daughters bedroom into a world of true imagination complete with a tree bookshelf and a chic cafe scene I am lost in the world of creating. I am so blissfully happy that I may never return to the grind as I knew it. I may let Art be my guide forever!

One can dream.

xoxo

More inspirational pics

This year I have a new age group to target. But of course as the Christmas sales stop this time of year as they always do. I will be back with some girls designs.
I fully intend on heeding the call to "grow up" my designs....
Now that I feel I have done some growing up and not at all depending on others to validate my work I see a new line of clothing and accessories for all ages!

These photos below reflect where I feel I am headed in some way or another.....

Inspiration

I'm drawing inspiration from this music video. Believe me you don't wanna miss this. Life at home is settled. Kids are all in a great school so my creative time has been freed..... check it out...I totally dig Gaga!

What is new for us?

Well we are renovating a small one car garage in our new home and making it into my own personal craft studio!! Then later we plan on adding a new two car garage/ workshop on the side of our house, where we have PLENTY of room to do so, later.

My husband and I are DIY (Do-It-Yourself) believers and we practice what we preach.
So he and I are doing most of the work in the house. The new garage will most likely be contracted out later. For now we have enough work inside to do to keep us busy long into the new year.

So the new studio and sewing room are under way starting today. We are starting this week by pulling out the lovely wood paneling that hides the fact that the old garage is not insulated- can I add a Brrrrr as I type in my cold cold future studio right now.

Oh boy did they make wood paneling STRONG back in the day. It takes all the strength I have to pull on the pullbar to pry out each small section. Oy, do we have days of removing paneling ahead. yikes!

Lots of work folks.

But it is Good Work.

With each splinter, cut and bruise I am empowered. With every completed task that makes this house safer, efficient and more beautiful I am strengthened.

Life sometimes needs hard work to remind you of how strong and capable you really are.

When will I be back full force and then some???

I do not know yet. All I know is that I will be back. I have too many ideas and projects to NOT do what I do for a living.

For now the Holy Frijoles are kicking butt this year in sales! Keeping me busy packaging and shipping. I even got phone calls from locals this year just GUSHING over how wonderful and fun the little guys are. Its wonderful!

This year is far better than any. I am filled. IN fact, my cup runs over this year.

Thank you God! and also thank you dear reader. Whomever you may be. ;-) I know I am often not level headed but somehow you return. Curiosity at what oddity I bring before you each day, no doubt, is what brings you back......:-) In any case, let it be known that I am glad that you come back, for whatever reason.

Ok time for me to get off of here. I cannot feel my fingers now as I type and my teeth are beginning to chatter. Time to cover the computer with blankets like tomatoes in danger of a freeze. ;-)

Till warmer nights in the studio are possible.....