Firefly Swap Goodies

I recently participated in a swap over at Craftster. My partner, popculturerecycled, has received all the Firefly goodness I sent, so now I can post them! I have 1 of 3 packages she sent me and will be posting those as soon as pics are taken.

Ok - Let's start with what she wanted the most: The Jayne Hat. Unfortunatley for 'pop', I do not know how to knit. So instead, she got a sewn fleece version of the hat.

Next up is the scrapbook. These swaps are always fun for trying new crafts. And if the texture showed better, you could see what I meant. These pages are complete with "textured" paper supplied by the glue application of the pics. Let's just look upon it as an appealing mistake and move on :) With her mix of mechanic and girly, Kaylee is one of my favorites . So using her room door sign as inspiration, I decorated a wooden box to hold trinkets she would love...oh, and a couple of Wash's dinosaurs.

And last, there are the paintings. I did not realize just how much I missed painting until now. They were so much fun to do. It is a series of shots of Serenity as she takes off around a planet. Each one has a verse from the theme song written in a corner.

note: there are more pictures over on my flickr , including each scrapboook page and box sides, if you are interested/curious/need a laugh.

More Soup for TnT

Rosemary Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

1 cup wild rice, cook as directed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast halves without skin, cubed or shredded
1 cup carrot (2 med), diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 tablespoon rosemary, dry
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pepper
8 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk, 1% lowfat, or whole

Directions:

1. Cook rice as directed on package.
2. In skillet heat oil & add garlic. Cook until golden.
3. Add chicken, carrot & celery. Cook 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Stir in rosemary & cook until chicken is done, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in marmalade, mustard & pepper. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
6. In Dutch oven (large pot) bring the stock & butter to a boil.
7. Add chicken mixture & rice to broth.
8. Simmer about 30 minutes. Add milk & continue to simmer 15 mintes - stir occasionally

Nutritional info:

Per Serving: 191 Calories; 6g Fat (28.3% calories from fat); 2g Sat fat; 17g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 34mg Cholesterol; 653mg Sodium.

Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Soup for Tote 'N Tots

Garden Harvest Soup

Servings: 18
Yield: 18 cups

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 quarts vegetable broth
28 ounces diced tomato (1 can) ... or equivalent fresh
1 cup water
1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce, optional
salt and pepper, optional
fresh parsley, optional
fresh cilantro, optional

Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, over med-hi heat, cook onion in heated oil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in carrot, garlic & bell pepper; cook until tender.
2. Meanwhile, in large stock pot, heat stock, tomatoes, water & cabbage. Add veggies once tender.
3. Simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes.
4. Season to taste with hot sauce, salt & pepper, or herbs as desired.

Nutritional info:
Per Serving: 107 Calories; 3g Fat (22.0% calories from fat); 1g Saturated fat; 4g Protein; 18g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 738mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat.

recipe adapted from "YOU on a diet"

Halloweens of yesteryear...9 years ago

Halloween - 9 years ago? maybe 10?- he was 3 or 4 here-13 now
This is the outfit that got me into sewing

My Teen and his creations...

My 13 year old loves the computer. He has a fascination with changing graphics and photos...merging is more like it. All of his media teachers have said he could have a great career in graphics. We believe them because of his enthusiasm for it all, but we see some pretty odd things - some fun ones too - like these...

cartoon character Gir as Batman

"Snuggles" - combo pokemon, bunny rabbit, reptile & Michigan J Frog's hat
Guy in a hurricane

umm...not really sure

One possible graphic for his marching band section

And intoducing...Lucky Ladybug Designs

I met Lucky through my etsyblogger team when we had a little fun trading.

Take a moment to browse around her shop and enjoy the jewelry and crocheted items.

You can also visit her at her blog.

This is my personal favorite (after the one I will be getting in the mail any day now):

What is the name of your etsy shop?

Lucky Ladybug Designs at http://www.glorybe1024.etsy.com/

How long have you been crafting?

For fun ~ since I was six or seven. My aunt had a ceramic shop. I got into cross stitch in my twenties and then started with crochet about five years ago.

What is your favorite medium?

I enjoy crochet because I can take it anywhere. I love all the possibilities with yarn.

Which piece in your shop is your favorite right now and why?

I love the combination of colors. I started out using a pattern then finished it off using my imagination.

What is your favorite medium that you enjoy for just yourself ?

I love beading. I have about twenty bracelets that I just can't part with!!

Have you had support from family and friends in your artisan endeavor?

My husband puts up with my overflowing yarn stash now that I have a craft room.

What inspires you?

So much inspires me! Finding a fun yarn or pretty bead. Also, I enjoy looking at other estians' creations. I will spy something and see other ways to do it or other colors to use. There are times when I will just stroll down the aisles of craft stores and see something that interests me. I am also a compulsive web surfer and I have found great tutorials all over the internet.

Describe your workspace?

Right now - a bit unorganized and cramped. I am sharing my room with my husband's drum set that we have been unable to sell. I have a vision of what I want...I just need to get the drum set out of the house.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love doing community theater productions. My last show was "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". I got to dress up in beautiful Victorian costumes and a wonderful wig. It inspired me to do away with my blonde hair and I now have a beautiful coppery brown shade...I feel fabulous!!

Do you have work outside of the art field?

I work in a Not-For-Profit organization as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Publishing and I must say I have the best boss in the universe!

If you could be anything for Halloween, what would it be?

I am going to a Halloween party and I am considering being Miss America or a flapper.

"I am so blessed in my life! It is filled with a wonderful husband, great kids and awesome friends both on the internet and in real life. I am amazed everyday at the abundance I enjoy and I know that God truly answers prayers "

Scallops with Parsley-Brandy Pesto

Serves 2

Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 4T dried)
1/2 ounce feta cheese, or goat cheese
1 tablespoon brandy
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
8 ounces sea scallops, about 8 large
4 ounces spaghetti (this is the dry amount)

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In food processor combine parsley, cheese, brandy, walnuts, lemon juice, 1t oil & garlic - process until chunky-smooth.
3. Heat nonsrick skillet & coat with spray. Add scallops and saute until browned outside & just slightly translucent in the center, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer pasta, scallops & pesto to serving plate & toss well to combine.

Nutritional info:
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 425 Calories; 10g Fat (22.3% calories from fat); 2g saturated fat; 30g Protein; 49g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 44mg Cholesterol; 279mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat.

From needle and thread to “business as”….... Part 3: Checklist of To Dos

The next thing I went searching for in my quest to start my own business was what I had to do for it to be a legal business. The books I had read covered this pretty well, so I summed it up here in a checklist for you. (This information is specific for the USA, but it could still be helpful as a starting point for those in other countries) I was able to obtain all of this online.

1. Local level: Is a license for your business needed for your city? - check with your city and if it is not needed, check with your county, then with your state

2. Check your zoning if the business will be home based (through city or county)

3. File with the county clerk a DBA (“Doing Business As”) aka - your biz's name...if it's just your name or a variation - it probably won't be needed (like if mine wasn't TiLT creations but was Jane Smith's creations, a DBA would not be necessary)

4. Seller's Permit (thru state) aka Certificate of Resale - for state tax collection on sales

5. Federal tax ID (FEIN) website You will need one if Sole Proprietor (meaning it's just little 'o you)

other things to consider:

>Home insurance - if need optional riders are needed to cover tools, equipment, material, inventory, etc

>trademark (if have one you want to register it to protect it)

>separate phoneline for biz (can be your cell phone - possible write off )

>bank account for your biz - need DBA for most business accounts, it is technically illegal to use your personal account for your biz

Links to federal gov’t sites:
IRS tax info for businesses
IRS forms and publications

My state and local links are here…yours will of course be different, but from these you can get an idea of what things are:

Oakland county- hobby to small biz

starting a biz in Oakland county

license search - crafts

MI sales tax
MI dept of treasury registration forms

I hope this helps you in your journey

next time...more on pricing. still to come: fairs, marketing & promos, useful sites

Potty Training 101 and 2

He started wear his underwear to preschool last Tuesday. It was now a regular clothing item. Pull ups optional for going out and sleeping. We have had a hard time even getting that far. Fussing, whinning and even crying and shouting has been heard by all...and by all, I mean the neighbors. He has had some accidents along the way. And he has had some successes.

But today...big success. He got his big roaring dinosaur. A bribe perhaps? Maybe. A reward is more like it. This reward was no for just peeing in the potty. He has done that the last couple days fairly regularly. No - he got it for the big "P", the 'ol number 2!!! If I was a guy I may have more fun and zany terms to throw out there, but I think there's enough info here to get the gist.
Congrats my little man! Go Wyatt, go Wyatt, you used the potty, uh huh uh huh uh huh!!!

TOTE-N-TOTS: The Kindness of Strangers

My husband always stops for people asking for handouts or help or whatever. He truely believes in the 'do unto others' ideals. I love him for that. Yes, he knows that not everyone is honest about things. But for those that are, it is worth the effort. He always says that you never know who who may be helping. He has given away more change and dollar bills than I would like to count. He has even, literally, given someone the jacket off his back.
So when I read a fellow etsyblogger's blog about those men helping her great-uncle in his time of need, it warmed my heart. It is nice to know that there are more people out there willing to give something for nothing in return.
Thanks for sharing Tote :)
TOTE-N-TOTS: The Kindness of Strangers

please feel free to share your stories of kindness here or anyplace else where it may inspire more people to do the same.

Etsy Treasury...my first snag!

I finally got my first treasury on etsy! I was so excited. I was able to include many teammates from etsymoms, etsybloggers and micetsy. I only wish there was room for everyone. I also wish I had some treasuries already planned out! I was afraid that my choice of red wouldn't have enough to choose from...there was way more than enough! It was hard to narrow it down actually. I think I may start having my own treasury here every week.

Please come visit it & give it some love...

Friday's Food: Tortilla Soup

With the weather turning cold I turn to soup. I love this one, it's spicy and gives me something different to do with my chicken. Serves 6.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast halves without skin, cooked & shredded
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low sodium chicken broth, fat-free (or full on salt & fat if you prefer)
1 cup salsa
2 14-oz cans diced tomato, opt. with green chiles, undrained : or equivalent fresh
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup light sour cream1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (6 oz) - optional
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
2 tortilla, whole wheat


Directions
1. Cook chicken - either roast, bake or poach - your choice
2. Preheat oven to 350*.
3. Cut each tortilla in half & cut those halves into 1/4-inch strips. Arrange tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring after 3 minutes. Cool completely.
4. In large saucepan heat oil over med-hi heat.
5. Add onion, green pepper & garlic. Saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, basil, oregano, cumin & pepper and bring to a boil.
7. Stir in chicken. Cover & simmer 30 minutes or longer. If soup seems too thick add more broth.
8. Stir tortilla strips into soup. Serve hot.
9. Top each serving with 1T cheese, cilantro & 1T sour cream (optional)

Per Serving: 214 Calories; 3g Fat (11.1% calories from fat); 1g Saturated fat; 30g Protein; 19g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 53mg Cholesterol; 609mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

Summer is Over SALE

I have decided to put some of the more summery items for sale. I have ideas for more purses - and other things- and would like to get more items to a good home. This one is getting crowded :)

Here are some samples....

Peachy Diamond ... was $40, now $30

Watercolor Ribbon Wrapped was $40, now $30

Part 2: Pricing; From needle and thread to "business as"

I had decided to go ahead and try to sell my handbags. I knew I wanted to do everything legally – from forming the biz to taxes (yech!). I will go over this next time because what I really had to know first was whether or not it would be worth it financially. So, how do I price things?
There are many opinions on this subject in the arts & crafts world. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that many people just want to sell enough to recoup cost and make just enough to buy more supplies while others want to make a living on their sales. I am somewhere in the middle. I am not expecting to become the next littleoddforest (whose bags I just saw at a local boutique here in Ferndale, Michigan - and she's from Singapore, plus has 190 items listed and sold over 1200 items since 7/05) or Daphnenen (who's bags I admire - who has 75 items listed and has sold over 550 items in the last 2 years). These numbers are something I cannot even begin to imagine, especially since even if I worked a regular 40 hour week I would only have about 8-10 bags...so that's months just to get that much listed, let alone keep up with 5-8 bags being sold every week). But yes, I would like to make some kind of profit. So I attacked this from a business standpoint.

Businesses have set policies for just about everything, and pricing is most definitely one of them. Crafts are a little tricky. Crafters Guide to Pricing by Dan Ramsey tackled the issue very well craft by craft. Simple pricing like materials multiplied by 2, works well for more of an easy going approach. But I want something with more formulaic that will take into account my time as well. I feel not enough artisans do this. Our time is just as important as anyone’s and should therefore be taken into consideration when pricing.

There were 3 main formulas that kept showing up in the books (all of which I found at my local library). I myself use these with an Excel spreadsheet to quickly and easily calculate pricing – without losing it. These all take into account both wholesale and retail pricing. I do not see myself venturing off into wholesale land, but just in case, I have set my prices somewhere between the two. I figure this way there won’t be any kind of sticker shock (to buyers or myself) if I do venture into the big world of wholesale.

So without further ado (aren’t you happy)…

1. (materials + labor) x 150% = wholesale price
wholesale price x 100% = retail price

2. materials / 25% = wholesale price
materials x 12% = retail price

3. (materials x2) + labor + overhead = wholesale price
wholesale price x 2 = retail price
note: if material is quite inexpensive then do as (materials x 3)
So what do I charge for labor you may ask? Well, every single book came up with the same $10 per hour for starters (at least with sewing). Different crafts have slightly different starting prices, mostly depending on if there are studios or renting specialized tools involved.

As to overhead, this is more complicated. Essentially they all suggest figuring your monthly costs such as rent, electricity, equipment, insurance, guild fees, regular supplies (like the needles, thread, bobbins, etc) and everything else into account. Then take that total and divide by how many items you can do every month. I was not up for the task so I used $2.00 (that seemed to be the most consistent amount in all their examples).
No matter how you reach your pricing, you should keep it consistent if you want to run it business like. Even after all the math, you still need to take into account the market and what it can bear. Look around etsy and other sites that sell items like yours and see where your numbers fall. Remember, no matter what price you choose, not everyone will like it or agree on whether or not it is reasonable. Do what feels right for you. It can always be adjusted with a sale or gradual increase.

Newly found old art

I was looking through some old photos for a picture of me dressed as a blimp. (See 6 secrets post #5 to enable your own visual...silver evening dress) I could not find it...I am assuming I must have burned it. What I did find were some more photos of my old paintings. I found a few a while back and put them on my website (which is still not fully complete), but somehow overlooked these. I think they were in a different album.

I have a big 'ol stack of paintings in the basement that I have not looked at in years. Maybe I need to go through them. Who knows, maybe they'll inspire me to set up ye old easel again.

These were from 1995ish. I always loved to paint. I wasn't very good, but it made me happy, therefore it was just right. So - now you get suff...I mean enjoy them also :)

Did you like the flash in the middle of that one?

This is one I had actually found previously, but the other picture was at too much of an angle to really see it.

Also - keep in mind these photos were not well done & pre-digital. Is it a good enough excuse to make you think they are better than they look?

Etsybloggers carnival post:

Relax…

Relaxation. I know how. I even took classes directed towards it. I have led an entire class in meditation, very relaxing. The problem is in the execution. I find it hard to relax when I look around and see so many things that need to be done. Laundry, dishes, vacuum, putting toys away, painting the trim – in every room, fixing the shower head, clearing out the garage, fixing the light above the stairs & over my bed … I think you get the idea. And all that with my boys: 13, 3 and 38 year old in the house…and the doggie.

I am lucky that sewing can be very relaxing for me. Almost Zen when I am in a groove.

Reading is always a good one. That’s pretty much where I turn when the sewing goes from Zen to Arrrgggghhh!

And finally – television. That can go beyond relax to veg. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially now that Chuck, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, CSI (the original) and Bones are back. OK – so the TV wins lots of times. But rarely is it a solo activity.

MICETSY at the market...

Well, I am a day late posting this. I guess I was still worn out yesterday after such a full day at the micetsy show. 7am train ride in and 7:23pm ride out (was originally a 5:23pm ride out...they had a slight delay). And we ran into a shopping cart halfway home. While most people were whining & such about the delay...come on people - we hit a shopping cart! It messed with the brakes! You gotta stop for that, especially since it took out the power also...anyway, myself & the guy across the aisle merely shifted in our seats to get the emergency lights to hit our books better. I got a lot read on that trip. Lonely Werewolf Girl - good read.

We set up nice in the cold, but sunny morning.

The sun kept coming out. Those of us on the sunny side soon had to strip down to our lightest layer. While the shady side bundled up even further. 10 feet and what felt like a 20 degree difference. But it didn't stop the traffic. You'd have to check with our fearless leaders chicalookate and beadbug on how the sales went for people, but I can tell you the foot traffic looked good.

I was there to help, but everyone was such a pro that they didn't need much. Which was good for me, I got to socialize more and enjoy all the goodies.

The day ended cloudy but mild. Packing up was so much quicker than setting up. It soon looked like a ghost town.

I want to thank everyone for putting up with me stopping in and pestering you :) I felt like I learned quite a bit and am ready...gulp...to try it myself. Because if I learned nothing else, I learned that there is nothing to be worried about. Just do it! And as Tim Gunn would say, "just make it work!"
Until next year...

New marketing goodies!

My goodies from VistaPrint just arrived. I always go for the freebie offers. Until I start to make money from my handbags - that's all I can afford. Overall, I am quite pleased...but I forgot to delete their label watermark on the postcards - oh well. These scanned images aren't totally clear, but I think you can get the idea. The postcard front is a gallery of sorts - it is a crop of what I have on the pamphlet/rack card/brochure.

The weird looking double purse image is on a business card. Guess what I am using it for? Tags for my purses. I got the idea from CraftyChef. I just cut in half, punch a hole & tie on...viola - instant hang tag. And 250 free cards = 500 free tags...can't beat that.

This is actually a 3 fold brochure which I will cut into 3 separate promo cards/rack cards/pamphlets...whatever you want to call it. Each is a bit different. I just hope it wasn't a mistake to put a price range on it.

And the best piece...my labels for inside the bags. I got them from Mommiemadeit. They are great. The labels I tried myself, well, not so hot.

Now I just need to sew more so they have a home.

New Plan of Semi-Action

I was going to do the business series every Friday, but I think I will move it to Wednesdays.. Mostly because I do not feel well today and I think I can make things fit better this way.

The etsybloggers do twice monthly carnivals - I'll make mine Tuesdays.
They also do mini-Mondays - don't know if that is all of us - I'm still new and need to investigate further.

Thursdays I will do my personal featured etsy seller - for now it will be a gallery mini, but I hope to do interviews as well.

On Fridays I want to do recipes. I love to cook & if anyone is brave enough to try one there will be time to gather supplies for the following week. Like these Grilled Pesto Scallops on Pasta.

On the weekend I will update crafty funness. Whether it is for selling or new things I am trying to learn (which should be good for a laugh).

And random sprinklings of my kids and other life stuff.

Tag - I'm it!

I love etsy! I just joined etsybloggers - what a fun bunch! This team is so active, they've had me at the computer all morning! I've been checking out their blog and street team site - lots of stuff to do!! And during it all, I got tagged! I get to be ten again. Both purlyshells and morningsky tagged me. Now I get to share 6 secrets with everyone and go tag 5 more people!

1> I went to school(s) for science(s). Art and crafting may be what I enjoy the most, but I tried what I thought of as "practical" for school. Biology for my bachelors. Tried Immunology at the PhD level...I really wanted microbiology, but no openings in any labs - so I left. Way too much work to spend your time doing something that isn't exactly what you wanted. So, off to my Masters I went. Exercise science - completed all but a couple credits. Got married & got a job doing exercise science stuff (cardiac rehab & stress testing)...and just never went back to finish that last paper. Gee - now I sound like a quitter. Oh well.

2> I was on bedrest with my second son for 6 months. I mastered reading sideways and breathing through contractions for months on end. I am so talented :)

3> I can touch the tip of my nose with my tongue. And people wonder why my husband chose me ;) That was a joke folks - I chose him :) It's true. I asked him out first. It was the first time I had ever asked a guy out. And he only said yes because I had the guts to ask. Lucky him!

4> We took the Pepsi challenge on our wedding day - we both got it right!

5> I have been every size from a 2 to a 24. I am somewhere midway now - just a bit lower & I'll feel just right for me. The 2 was skinny-gross for my build. And the 24 - well, was pregnant with that (but hovered around 20 for a bit after).

....sub#5> the size 2 was just before the pregnancy nad the 24 was right after...I gained 85 pounds...I don't recommend it.

6> My mom is my best friend. Break out the awwws. When I was younger we didn't get along so well. I guess a decade or so of adulthood can change lots of things.

So, my turn to tag....

agoodwitchtoo - because you chatted back with me today

twozanyzebras and jaimesews - because I know you from other places

roseworks and stormydesigns - beacuse I saw you around this morning and really liked your stuff.

bfbeads: October's featured etsyblogger

Meet Mama Jen. She's a SAHM of two young kids (toddler & baby), she's a wife, she blogs, she makes jewelry, she's a poet, she's an aspiring children's book author, and I am guessing she actually finds time for herself somewhere in all that. Maybe we can PIF her a babysitter if she doesn't! She has not one, but two shops on etsy!

If you like to wear jewelry and are a breastfeeding mom (well, I hope you are the mom :) you need to hop on over to bfbeads. I was once a breastfeeder (sounds weird written that way). I stopped wearing my jewelry because my sons couldn't keep their hands off. Jen solved that problem for us. Necklaces that are adjustable & have no clasp to create a weak breaking point when pulled. She even used her own kids as testers. This is just one of her beautiful designs:

Chocolate Pink Baby Friendly Beads Nursing Necklace $28.00





I also love this bracelet.

Elemental Baby Friendly Beads Reminder Bracelet $20.00

Then once your done at her first shop...



hop over to her second one: mamasmagicstudio
Here you can find some earring "sets"
... you'll see what I mean :)
And flying around are some beaded dragonflies
that you can hang around your home or office ... brighten things up a bit.
This pair of earrings would make a great gift for crafter who works with needles:

Knit the Knot Known Fraternal Earrings -- Fuschia $15.00