etsy etc

I finally listed some stuff in my Etsy shop, including this quilt. I have a bit of a stockpile built up too, so I'll be able to add new stuff next week too. I feel quite organized at the moment.

I have a meeting on campus today, which should be interesting. I woke up last night at 3am and didn't fall asleep again until at least 5:30am, so here's hoping I'll be coherent.

There's a better than average chance that I'll get my student loan check today, which means I'll be able to go grocery shopping, which is good as I'm getting a bit tired of lentils and beans. I will say though, I have been doing a great job at grocery shopping, because the last time we did a big grocery trip was the end of November. We've gotten by since then with small trips to the deli for milk/eggs/cheese, that kind of thing. I don't think I've spent more than $100 on groceries in the past month, so I'm feeling pretty good about that.

Anyway, time to get ready for my meeting! Go buy something from my Etsy store. Or don't. I'll still like you either way.

hi how are you i am fine thank you

You know what is a great way to get the ol' adrenaline going? Ride your bike through downtown Milwaukee to the post office, and then ride your bike home. That's what I just did!

I bike everywhere now; it is totally crazy pants. I did not see this happening, even when I bought my bike. I thought I would maybe bike to the co-op, or anywhere else that I could access via non-busy streets. So, maybe a 10 block radius from my house. But no, I bike to and from work everyday via the Oak Leaf Trail, which is just amazing by the way. It's like a wooded, peaceful bike superhighway through Milwaukee, and it takes me almost directly to my job.

Yes, that's right, I have a job--I hung around at the best volunteer job in the world (pretend that's capitalized, I don't feel like going back to change it) so long that they finally gave up and decided to pay me for a few months. Well, something like that. Anyway, I am getting paid cash money to do something I actually enjoy. Weird!

Also, I am getting paid cash money for my sewing. The cash money is not exactly plentiful (yet!) but I mailed out this bag today, and I have some ideas for new bags that I'll be working on over the next couple days. Variations on a theme, the theme being "I like stripes."

Alright, shoot, this post needs a photo. Here is a photo from camping last weekend. My battery was nearly dead, so I took like 10 photos of trees and that was it. I need to get better at taking photos of people, because I have zero photographic proof that I had fun times with some awesome people.

tooo much stimulation

July has been crazypants so far. Update soon, tomorrow with any luck. Highlights include turning 25 and going camping; lowlights include being screwed over by both Sallie Mae and Bank of America. From now on, all of my financial needs will be met by credit unions. Also, I sold a bag. Paying for a day of advertising was definitely worthwhile.

sunny with a chance of awesome

1. I updated my Etsy shop! First time in at least a month, so I am quite excited.

2. I overslept and am going to be quite late for my internship. That is not as exciting.

3. If I'm running late, why am I updating my blog?

ginger

1. I've been trying to get a handle on my Flickr account (I have over 12,000 images, and I had forgotten that at least 11,000 of them exist.), and I found this photo, taken on a walk around my old neighborhood in Harlem. I think Kira & I were walking to this cafe across from the top of Central Park, if I'm not mistaken. It reminds me very much of what it looks like outside right now.
   
2. Remember when I made beans? It turns out that I most definitely did not cook them long enough, either in the slow cooker or in the pan when I made the first batch. But! I made the rest of the beans yesterday, and I cooked them in what seemed like way too much water (because the first batch was so dry, you see), and I added all of these spices and also salt (here is something I learned--if you use dried beans instead of canned beans, you're probably going to want to add a bit of salt, because you know that liquid that canned beans are in? that's basically salty brine.), and I cooked them forever, and they turned out totally fucking delicious. So, you know, victory for Marina! Finally; I was starting to forget that I am actually kind of good at cooking.
3. I am actually going to be able to update my Etsy shop on Monday. I have things to list and photos of said things and I have even started writing up little blurbs about what said things are. That is probably my least favorite part; I keep wanting to write "It's a purse! It's awesome! Buy it! Give me money now!" but that would probably not be a very effective selling technique.
4. It seems that it is going to be another gray rainy day, which is really fucking annoying, as I need to get some work done today. I think I might actually go to a coffee shop to do work, depending on how much it's raining, I guess. I haven't done that in forever, and I just remembered yesterday that sometimes getting out of the house can lead to me being a much more focused, efficient person. Surprising that I would be more focused when I'm away from all of the things that distract me.
5. Wow, I am blogging a lot lately. I go through phases, I guess. Sometimes I forget that I've been doing this off and on since 2002. Holy shit, that's seven years. I'm not sure how I feel about that...

decisions decisions

Which (if any) of these makes you think "yes, I will buy some of her crafts"?

shameless self-promotion

I listed some things on Etsy today. It's a little different listing things, knowing that it's actually possible that someone might buy them.

busy like a bee

It's a strange thing to be busy constantly and yet not be crazy anxious. For me, I mean. The past two weeks have been this steady parade of work that I don't really want to do (and yet don't absolutely hate, mostly), and I have been handling it. I realize for most people that's pretty normal, but I am amazed by this thing I'm doing, this thing where I just get things done. I'm only barely keeping up with everything, but I am actually keeping up. I started to get anxious earlier because I hadn't finished this assignment that I had to upload today, so I finished it. It's done. I have already finished all the things that I have to finish today, and it's only 5:30.

I don't really know what my point is or where this is going. I'm just feeling pretty good about myself right now.

Also making me feel good: I've been sewing steadily for the past few weeks, even though I've been crazy busy. Pictured above are some of the zip pouches I made. (Isn't that a terrible word? Pouch. Gross.) I've never felt great about my ability to make the top-zippered variety, but I decided to try again after doing pretty well with those front-zippered ones. I seem to actually be improving at sewing, because they all turned out pretty well. I'm really into the stitching-as-decoration thing, though it made me realize that my machine's tension is definitely out of whack.

Oh god, this is boring, isn't it? I sold a bag this week; that's pretty exciting. This bag, which is probably still the best thing I've ever made. I was very sad to let it go; hopefully it will be enjoyed.

and the office isn't even new this week

Sometimes my day job is just mind-numbingly frustrating. I will be busy with it for the next week straight. None of it will be that hard, and I'm not dreading it, I just don't want to do it.

And I'm complaining. I know I'm complaining. Things aren't even that bad. I sold that purse that I listed to raise money for Wildlife Victoria. And, okay, probably it sold because some kind-hearted person wanted to donate money, and I won't actually get any money from it, but I am still really kind of psyched that someone paid cash money for something that I made. That's pretty sweet.

So that's a good thing. I made a few regular zippered purses last night, and it went really well. I feel much better about my sewing skills lately. Sewing skillzzzz. I can notice real improvement.

Dammit. Not only is The Office a rerun, Grey's Anatomy (which I certainly never watch ever unless there's nothing else on and maybe also other times) is not just a rerun, it's a rerun with fucking Denny and that fucking annoying English woman. Today is kind of annoying me. I'm going to go sew.

okay here is the part where i try to distract myself

Alright, in my continuing effort to not go crazy re: that last post, I am participating in this thing called Handmade Help. I read tons of craft blogs, and a bunch of them are written by Australians. I'm not sure why; I pretty much read whatever Google Reader puts in that "recommended blogs" list. Anyway! I have been reading a lot about the bushfires in Victoria, and I would very much like to do something to help, because to be all maudlin for a moment, I thought it was so amazing that so many people outside of the US donated to Katrina relief.

So! I have very little listed in my shop right now, but 50% of sales will go to Wildlife Victoria for at least the rest of the month. I'm planning a real relaunch with way more stuff for sale, so I may adjust that percentage in the future. In the meantime, 50% of gross sales goes to Wildlife Victoria for the rest of February. And! 100% of the sale of this brand spanking new change purse will go to Wildlife Victoria. If you're not into that, you can still give money to Wildlife Victoria or the Australian Red Cross.

Alright, I think that's it. After this, I swear I will go back to... whatever the hell it is I usually do here.

i broke three needles today

Maybe four. Apparently I'm an idiot? I don't know what was up.








But! I also made two more of those zipper pouches I keep talking about, and I cut out fabric for four or five more. I also tried searching for them on Etsy to get an idea of prices to charge, and I couldn't find any. At all. Does this mean that I'm getting in early, or that I'm going crazy over something that everyone else hates? Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

jack mcbrayer is pretty funny

Hey, I learned how to make Log Cabin quilt blocks. Well, I taught myself. And I'm pretty sure I did it right, but who knows. Photos someday. Maybe tomorrow? I restarted my Etsy shop. You forgot I even had one, didn't you? I haven't added anything new yet, just relistings of what used to be on there. I'm working on a new bag; I'll finish it as soon as I can concentrate on it. My mind is just everywhere today! This is why I don't do drugs, I drank a 20oz soda and I'm practically twitching. Which is weird when you consider I drink at least 3 cups of coffee every day... Weird! In conclusion, I want to start volunteering at Voces de la Frontera, either teaching English classes or doing research. Or whatever they'll let me do. I think I'll call tomorrow after class.

you guys, i made the coolest bag today

But I don't have a photo. Maybe I will tomorrow! Check back then.

Until then, I'm having a sale! Go to my Etsy page! Buy things!

look what i made

New things I made (and am now listing on Etsy.com, go buy them!) over the weekend:



I actually made the messenger bag a few weeks ago in Milwaukee, but I made those change purses (along with six or seven others) over the weekend. I have some more things to list, but I want to make sure I can keep listing items every Monday, so I'm holding off on listing them for now. Interesting!

at least it's not snowing

[It is raining like a motherfucker outside. I am staying inside for the rest of the night for sure.]



Look at all that pretty shit. Why do I have such a dirty mouth today? I made all that stuff this month, or at least I listed it all this month. No one has bought anything yet, which sucks, but to be fair, it's only the tenth. I should probably wait at least a week before I start to panic.

What else? I'm working on summer plans, which are looking pretty awesome so far. I'm taking Information Policy and doing an independent study for history (if I can find a professor to supervise me), and since I'm taking the policy class online, I'll be able to spend so much time at home. My mom found an amazing sewing machine on craigslist, so I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time at my parents' house, sewing and enjoying the air conditioning. Oh, and doing homework and utilizing the high speed internet. Obviously.

Oh, and I guess I'll also be able to see a lot of Nathan if I'm home all the time this summer. He was here most of the week; pretty sweet, right? We made tacos, and he had the genius idea to use goat cheese along with the cheddar. Also, he bought me beer and also a coffee. Having a boyfriend is awesome. Also, the Peanut Butter Cup coffee at Fuel Cafe is awesome.

buy buy buy

Hey, look what else I made. I made it a few weeks ago for a craft fair I did at a Catholic church; it was surprisingly not popular at all.

I've made rosaries a few different times, but this is the first time I've used linen cord. Each decade is separated by a knot; I'm not sure that's clear in this photo. I'm a big fan of knotting; I want to do some research on the technique. I know it's a traditional method of making pearl necklaces, but I wonder how else it's been used throughout history. I really want to do research on folk arts and crafting techniques and maybe write about it. That's more of a long-term project rather than something I have time for right now, though.

Anyway. The rosary is listed at my etsy shop, if you're looking for a gift for your Catholic friend. I've spent the last hour editing photos and creating listings and generally trying to create some type of order to this whole "craft business" thing, and now it is time for dinner and then homework and getting organized with the whole "grad school" thing.

half awake

1. I have class on Thursdays at 9:30. Our professor is out of town this week, so we had to take the quiz online, so I woke up at 8, made coffee, drank coffee, studied, downloaded the quiz at 9:30, uploaded the answers at 9:50 or so, and now... I am awake. And I don't have to do anything all day, or at least until this afternoon. Lame.

2. Ugh, that story was not as interesting as I thought it would be.

3. My room is so messy! I'm not even going to upload a picture, it would be too shocking. Unless you know me; then it would be too expected, and you'd be all "oh, Marina, your room is messy again, HAHAHA LIKE ALWAYS." Which is true, but still, I am sick of people making fun of me for my mess. I have made my bed every day this year, thank you very much.

4. Oh, I am cranky!

5. I finished an awesome bag last night. It is adorable, and I'm going to list it on Etsy even though the seams are not very straight because it is awesome and lined with a multi-colored polka dot fabric. Adorable! Pictures later, I should do the listing today.

6. I sold more of the strange little face beads on Etsy, to someone in the Netherlands, which is pretty cool. I still have some left, so check out my etsy shop if you're into buying things that are really awesome.

ouch

1. My knee is killing me. In high school, I had knee problems because after spending seven years doing gymnastics three to six days a week, I switched to hockey and spent three to six days a week playing goalie. Now, I'm pretty sure my knee hurts because I spent half of yesterday walking around with a thirty pound sewing machine.

2. You know, considering that I spent seven years doing gymnastics for 3-6 days a week, I was really spectacularly bad.

3. I am having a sale in my Etsy shop. Go look at things. And buy them if you want. I guess? Marketing is weird.

4. And just to make up for that last bit, telling you to buy things, click on this and be happy. And then hit refresh and be happy again.

i'm really into yellow

I just listed this in my shop. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. It's a necklace; I just realized you can't actually tell that from this photo. There are a few other photos on Etsy, if you're curious about how the whole thing looks.

I really am into yellow. I still need to make my bumblebee watch; I haven't made a final decision about the design. Don't worry, I'll post pictures when it's finished.

four fruits

dear astronaut best band ever

Phase one of the new site. Jeb and I are working on it together. He worked out the design; I'm trying desperately to remember CSS so I can make a site out of his design.



Strange face beads that I'm selling on Etsy. They're listed as a lot of 10, but I found some more recently, so I can sell them in larger amounts as well.