Friday, February 29, 2008

Photos and a LEAP DAY SALE!

I was up early every day this week and my sister has to come over on my sleep in 'til 8:30 day to pick up a package my aunt dropped off for her and her daughters last week. Sigh. Oh well, coffee will be ready soon and I've got lots to do, so it's no biggie :) And what did I say when I gave her the bag from my aunt? "Don't forget to call Auntie Jeanne this week-end, and thank her." I sound like my mother. Audible sigh.Where's my coffee?

Much of yesterday was spent photographing and then editting photos of new pieces to list. I have a spot in one of the showcases on Etsy, which I haven't done in awhile and I wanted to see if any sales are generated by this advertising.

So I'm having a BOGO 50% off sale in my shop today, until midnight (in Samoa of course, that's 6am tomorrow for ESTers)!!!

I'm pretty happy with my photos from yesterday in general. I'm always amazed at how different lighting totally changes the colour of a backdrop while the actual piece being photographed remains essentially the same. I guess it has to do with how much light is reflected by the colour backdrop being used, or something (can you tell I have no idea what I'm talking about?)... These first two pics are the same piece on the same background, one in regular bright daylight, the other in direct sunlight.





I love those little goldfish! Gotta make myself a pair.

My new pendant design will have to wait since I have to figure out a way to attach a bail onto them. Long story...

Meow: I had to get in a couple of photos of Ebi. Poor Chibi has been all but ignored lately, camera-wise anyway, as I've been snapping pics of Ebi whenever he does something remotely cute.

Although I don't think he's as brilliant as my mom proclaimed him to be, he is funny. He drags his favourite toy around when he wants attention - this long wire with little rolled up paper danglies on one end - doesn't sound too appealing, certainly doesn't look great, but he loves it. You can tell he's coming with that thing in his mouth because the wire drags on the ground. I thought he hated me when he first came to live here in October, but we've warmed up to each other - he's more relaxed and has found his place, and I'm not trying so hard. Having two cats is good.


I'll be going now, will be working on a couple of custom orders today ☺ Have a good day everyone!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

A nice start to the day ☺

It's sunny and cold today, around minus 20. But the snow has stopped - for now. This is my ideal winter weather ... but I probably won't even venture out if I don't have to :)

A woman named Nancy contacted me through Etsy a couple days ago and said she wanted to visit my store. And since I don't have one we made arrangements for her to come over here and see what I make and where I make it (my packed-full-of-stuff home studio). She was interested in my bracelets because she said she has small wrists and has a hard time finding bracelets that will fit her and not slide off or rattle and jangle around.

Nancy came over this morning at 8am before going to work and indeed, she does have very small wrists; said she was happy to find something that actually fits her and that the pretty part of the bracelet stays visible on top - which is exactly why I designed them that way ☺

She bought two bracelets, one of which was a smaller version of this one below. I've got others in my Etsy shop too :) I thought it was so nice of her to make an early morning detour just to see my stuff; even after selling for almost 7 years now, it still amazes me that I make things that people like enough to buy. That people will go out of their way to come and see me and that they will spend their hard-earned money on something I made - isn't that crazy? I mean crazy in a good way...

I've been working on a new design of pendant which I'm really excited about and will take photos of and list today. Talk about that tomorrow!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

A fresh batch and new tools...

It's still snowing here in Montreal. It snowed all day yesterday, just lightly, but aaaaaall day. We were supposed to get 15cm, but I'm sure we got a little more than that since it's still falling.

Half of yesterday was spent making some chiyo pendants and earrings and I'll be doing that again today. Here's the fresh lot that went in to cure last night.





They need a final inspection and then their coats of varnish. I know there are a lot of people making chiyo pendants now on Etsy and out there in general, but I'm very happy with my design and their finished, framed look. Each is individually handcut from polymer clay and I also make the pendant bails myself. I've got some in my shop for sale right now :)

I received some new tools in the mail yesterday. I have been using pliers in the $5 to $8 range and I could not quite believe that tools that were 6 times the price were going to make any difference. How much better can they be?

The short answer: A LOT. A lot better. Thanks to a pretty good month, I splurged and bought these Lindstrom flush cutters and chain nose pliers, and also tried the OHM bent nose pliers.

Over the very busy holiday season I developed terribly crampy, tight hands and forearms and I know it was partly because I had to squeeze so hard on my hard-handled, badly-made tools. I put together some jewellery pieces yesterday and these felt great. I will let you know how I feel with my new tools as time goes on, but I already feel like I made a really good investment.

Have Lindstrom or OHM tools been good for you in your experience? Or any other kinds of tools? I'd love to hear about them ☺

Off to make more pendants... gotta feed the cats first!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Hoarded ideas..

Some ideas you keep in your head - kinda like hoarding them. And I am a professional hoarder, the queen of saving things in case I need them, the reigning champion of even not using things because then there'll be none left... Logical, no, but it's a way of being. I will admit that many in my family have this hoarding gene - definitely a dominant gene.

All that blabla to say that I've been hanging onto this idea for awhile and never took the step to actually make them a reality. Actually, I've been making these same cards in a mini version, as little gift tags, but as full-size greeting cards - this is the debut! The original origami design is by Didier Boursin, and I've added my own little flair to it ☺



Going to add these to my shop right away!

Ding Dong! ... FedEx just came a-knocking ten minutes ago with my latest order of supplies, so I had to stop writing and open my parcel. I received my Lindstrom cutters and pliers and I'm sooo looking forward to trying them out! I was going to make clay pendants this afternoon, but I might have to do some assembly and try these babies. I can already say they feel really good and my hands and forearms are looking forward to relaxing a little and not cramping up all the time. Also got cord that it just perfect for my miniature Japanese drums (okedo and shime) - very happy with my order!

Off to make coffee #2 and get to work ☺

Monday, February 25, 2008

Carving out my family...

I carve my own stamps that I use in all my card and bookmark designs. Like with all my crafty and artistic endeavors, this was something I was interested in and just tried. I read books, did internet research and just kind of threw myself into it. Stamp carving is now my favourite class to teach, since people are always so amazed at what they didn't think they could possibly do.

I like to show people how to work from photos and get a good image to potentially carve. You do have to take some artistic license and make some decisions about what to carve away and what to leave intact, but this is something anyone can do with a little patience and practice.

I've been wanting to work with some of my family's old photos for some time now, but have been too scared, intimidated and worried about being disappointed in my results. One of my favourite photos is this one below, of my Dad (tallest) and three of his four siblings, taken at Fujiwara studio in Vancouver, BC, probably in around 1930 or so.


I worked for five and half hours on Saturday evening since once I start I cannot seem to stop. I tell everyone they need patience, something I do not have. Gotta finish, gotta finish... I finally stopped when I knew I was too tired and sore-necked to keep doing a decent job. Finished it yesterday and will likely still tweak and poke at it more. So the actual carving job isn't so pretty, as you can see here:

But I'm pretty happy with the result. My dad actually looks like my nephew, Ryan, and my Auntie Mary ended up looking like me! And I'd like to say it was my tired hands, but it was actually a bad decision that led to one of my Uncle George's (the littlest guy) nostrils being cut off. I now have to add it in separately. Oh well, live and learn, right.

I think it will look neat with some added colour too. I will experiment a little with it, and try working with some other family photos too. So much to do!


Just have to mention this ...
When the Academy Awards roll around every year, we always have the tv on, even though we are usually doing something else and just keep our ears pricked for anything exciting. We do like to watch the opening though, and we could absolutely not miss last night's since Jon Stewart was doing the honours once again. I haven't let out a cackle quite so piercing in a long time as with the "Gaydolf Titler" line; as soon as my laughter subsided, I told JF, "That is going in my blog." En bon québécois, on dit, "Il l'a, l'affaire." In Quebec slang we would say, "He's just got it." Jon Stewart, that is.


Friday, February 22, 2008

"Your babies are in the mail"

I just mailed out these 60 little babies this morning! Here they are all bundled up, ready to be packaged and sent off to North Carolina.

I created this little bundled baby card, as a way to congratulate new parents on a new addition to the family, but a lovely customer of mine, Michelle, wanted to announce the arrival of her son at the end of March with these cards. What a great idea! And I'm so flattered that she chose my cards for such a momentous occasion ☺Inside the folded blanket will be a little print-out with all the info about the new baby boy. Thanks Michelle, I enjoyed making this order for you!

Teaching an old dog new tricks... My Microsoft photo editting and imaging software went all wonky on me yesterday and asking it to do something for me resulted in my computer shutting down - not good. This was the so-called updated version of the same program I've been using for the past 6 years, called PictureIt. It's always given me and my computer and my husband - bless his patience! - problems, but I was so comfortable with it that I've stuck it out. Well, now even the newer version has been discontinued, so I guess Microsoft realized it was a dud. So I'm now learning to get around Picasa, which I've heard so much about - excited to learn how it all works, although I mourn the loss of my friend, MS PictureIt (can you hear the leetle violins playing?).

Ok, gotta go. Time to make the donuts...

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Did you know I'm also a proud auntie?

Yesterday was one of my nieces, Sarah's, 15th birthday. We had this dessert for the occasion, a Paris Brest, the epitome of decadence - a perfectly golden pastry ring, filled (jam-packed) with cream and berries. Sigh. Yum. The little green spots on the strawberry and the whipped cream is actually melted wax from the candles, not mold, in case that's what you were thinking.


Both Sarah and her sister, Amy, soon to be 13, are rhythmic gymnasts, which means they are ridiculously flexible and can make throwing what resembles a bowling pin look graceful (I'm serious). They'll be going to Edmonton, Alberta in a few weeks for the nationals, but before that, Sarah will be going to Moscow for an international competition, since she's ranked 4th in Canada at the Junior level. She has already been to Belgium and Portugal - how lucky is that!

Last night she shared the Russian she's learned from the other gymnasts at their club: toilet, throw, bumpy road, goat, catch, eat, green. Handy if she needs to throw a green goat in the toilet, and then catch something to eat on a bumpy road.

Here she is competing in Belgium last year.

Here are Sarah and Amy holding one of their wild bedazzled costumes. They look pretty garish up close, but from far away all you see is a faint glimmer of sequins and crystals. Parents and coaches apply each sequin and crystal by hand and some of these suits have 3000 Swarowski crystals on them, making them worth around $400 a piece (don't even bother counting the hours it took to apply all the shinies!). And yes, they have different suits for each routine.

Sarah is smart and cheeky. Loves pasta as much as her Auntie Sandra and Uncle JF do! She is maturing into a wonderful young adult, and we like to embarrass her whenever we can. She just rolls her eyes ☺

Amy is the vaudevillian of the family. Ever since she was a wee thing, she's had a schtick! Cracks us up. She is also one of the most thoughtful soon-to-be teens I know. She has always been quite the grilled cheese afficianado, but has recently discovered the joys of a good chicken fajita.

These are just two of my eleven nieces and nephews. Maybe I'll write about the others and embarrass them all...



Friday, February 15, 2008

Onto business...

Ok, so I got that out of the way. Now onto my good day.

Listed some pendants yesterday in my Etsy shop, with my new Greek leather cord. I've been wanting to try Greek leather for so long since I heard that the quality is consistently top notch. Key word, consistent. I got some leather in colours, to play with, and I love the way it looks with my pendants! Really complimentary. Kinda hard to see the colour in the first one, the leather cord is olive green.


I got some paler colours too, that I'm not yahoo crazy about but will try them with some other pendants and see how they look.

Finally went shopping last week for a new agenda (organizer). I've been using the one that my brother Ron got me for Christmas around 15 years ago; it was used to death, the zipper on the wallet section died around 8 years ago because I stuffed it with too much, well, stuff. I covered the outside with cow patterned shelf liner since I couldn't have just plain black. 'Course not!

I went to Bureau en gros, which is what they call Staples here in Québec, and headed straight for the sale section, where they had lots of old stock agendas. I'm always so happy when I find a good bargain. So this all-leather agenda with wallet section and lots of compartments and space for notepads, that was originally $69.99, was marked down to $49.97 and then 75% off that - I got it for $12.49! Zipped home, to transfer everything over to its new home and then added a bit of zing to plain brown leather (nice tho it was), with this sticky-backed cloth. Very happy with this. Here's the front:

And the back:

To work I go!

Hello, witness

I'm trying to see the lesson in everything. The positive lesson.

I'm a bit of a wallower, yes I am. Ever since I was pretty young, I can remember thinking to myself that it's better to think things won't work out because if they don't, then I won't be disappointed and if they do happen to work out, well hey there - what a lovely surprise, like a bonus with extra whipped cream. What a charming child I must have been.

I've made an effort to change, since I've realized that everything is a choice, and how I can choose to feel positive or negative, regardless of what I run into on a given day. How I cannot change the chaos around me , but I can choose to limit its affect on me. How my perception is totally filtered by this decision to see it one way or the other. How even if I'm having a not so good day, I am still a content person, with a wonderful life - a roof over my head, more than enough food in my fridge, family and friends who love and support me, I'm making a living doing what I love, I get to play taiko on week-ends... La vie est belle, n'est ce pas?

So today, even though I feel like crap, I am going to make a true effort to have a good day. Just so you know - if you've read this, you're my witness.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Nori expert...

I forgot something this morning! A good friend of ours and member of our taiko group, Mikio, is a sushi chef, some would say the best sushi chef in Montreal. Knowing him personally, we know that every morsel of food prepared by him is of the freshest and highest quality, not to mention exquisite to look at.

Mikio is quite the understated star too - he's great on tv and in movies. I was even an extra with him in the movie, "The Day After Tomorrow" with Dennis Quaid (who was very nice, by the way, and likes carrot cake), and actually Mikio was upgraded to a speaking part. Anyway, he was on tv last night, on a show called L'Epicerie, (in French) which is all about food and restaurants here in Québec. Click here to see the segment he's in, all about nori or seaweed.

J'avais oublié d'inclure un lien dans mon "entry" de ce matin! Notre ami Mikio avec qui on joue le taiko, est un chef de sushi, un des meilleurs, sinon LE meilleur à Montréal.

Comme expert au sujet du sushi, il est évidemment expert en nori, ou les algues. Le voici sur les ondes de Radio Canada hier soir, sur l'emission L'Epicerie. Cliquez ici pour le voir!

Enjoy!

The sun is shining...

Beautiful day here in Montreal - bright blue sky, no wind, 10 below zero. Just perfect to be walking around outside.


Went to the post office this morning to mail out some orders and on the way back, stopped at the local grocery store, which is just a couple blocks from our house. I thought since we're so close I could get a 10 kilo bag of flour which ends up way cheaper than the small 2.5 kilo bags. Ended up with cranberry juice and milk in my knapsack and some salmon and salad, veggies and cheese in a bag, and this 22 pound sack of flour slung over my shoulder. After the four minute walk home I was all sweaty and cranky. I get home, JF comes to get everything at the door and while unpacking I realize I left the lovely warm ciabatta (bread) at the store. I had this perfect brie, à point (ready to eat - room temperature and just going towards runny) and no bread. Low growl forming in my throat. I'm so easily crankified.

Since I was cranky JF went to the store to get the bread, which was there waiting on the counter since they figured someone would return to get it. JF is the best. He is the best husband, best friend, best caregiver, best craft assistant, best everything. I'm serious. That's why I love him and that's why we've decided not to celebrate Valentine's Day anymore; we tell each other we love each other all the time and we certainly don't need a day to mark what is part of our everyday life ♥ Besides, the chocolate will be on sale for half price tomorrow!

You know about our cats, Ebi and Chibi, and how they are sloooowly learning to tolerate each other. They are individually such delightful cats, very easy and sociable - although not with each other. I know everyone thinks their pets are beautiful, but ours really are - really.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

A day off

Took a day off work yesterday, since I worked through much of the week-end finishing up an order that had to be shipped yesterday. It was a relief to send it out, and I think my customer will be happy. Hope so!

JF and I tried a tai chi qigong class in the morning and really enjoyed it. Very soothing and flowing kind of movements, focussing on the breathing and energy flow. Shared pizza with some friends after that and then went to rent a movie; we got "The Recruit" with Al Pacino and Colin Farrell.

I thought it would be the kind of movie where I may want to get up and do something else. I swear, I have the attention span of a gnat. I know it's not fair to JF, since he likes to just sit and watch a move together, but unless I'm really in the mood to just sit, I will be making pendant bails while watching or putting together earrings while watching or fiddling with something or other while watching. Anyway, this movie was actually rather entertaining, although the script was pretty darn cheesey. If I hear, "Nothing is what it seems" again I think I'll scream. I felt a little bad for Mr. Pacino if this is the kind of movie he has to make these days; same kind of crotchety, bossy character he played in "Scent of a Woman," which was god-awful.

Last Saturday was spent over at a friends' house, where we finally got to meet little Noam (pronounced No-am, not gnome) who was born in December. Here he is with his dad. Can you tell that Daddy is proud?

On the work front, I know I've been saying that I'm working on new things, and I swear it's true! I'll spend today working on these a little more and hopefully have something to show for it (or that I'll want to show publicly) in a short bit (how vague is that?)...

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Gung hei fa choi! And Etsy rat finds...

Happy New Year!

It’s the start of the New Year today according to the Chinese calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. It is the year of the rat, said to be a year of hard work and good for new starts - maybe start a new job or create a new product for your online shop (the wheels are turning); being well prepared and patient will bring rewards later on.


Here's a cutie, a perfect example of the enterprising, sociable and hard-working rat that you are, if you were born in 1924, 1936, 1048, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, or are freshly born this year ☺You are also said to be very intelligent, affectionate and family-oriented if you are a rat.

There are some great rat items on Etsy, if you would like to celebrate your year, or get a gift for the rat in your life.

This adorable card is by Etsy seller, kissui.




A gorgeous woodblock print by CuriouslyDrawn (rat is sitting on mochi - gotta love it!)

This cool magnet by mokajadedesigns



Or how about a pendant by etherealgirls, to show your rat love around your neck?

I've got a couple of ratty items in my shop too, you can have a look around if you like...

Lastly I just thought this guy was neat; found him here, on a Japanese textiles website. I love his vest, also patterned in rats!

Happy New Year everyone!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Etsy favourite and a fat cat

Another ETSY favourite : Cavendishsoapworks lipbalm

I told you last week about my favourite soap on Etsy. Well, THIS is definitely my favourite lipbalm. In my experience, a good lipbalm has been difficult to find - some are too waxy which ends up drying out my lips (strange, but true), some have just been too soft and globby, and some have been too thin which just makes me feel greasy. I'm a bit of a lipbalm nut, so I've tried many! This is the first time I'm going back to the same shop for more ☺

This lipbalm, created by Kathleen in Prince Edward Island (fellow Canuck!), is firm and smooth, not waxy or thick, and the formula doesn't wear off. The flavours are subtle and lovely, and the tubes look great too. She also makes great soap and candles; go on, have another look in her Etsy shop and try some - you will not be sorry!

Much better today, looking forward to a good work day.

More custom orders! I have an order of mini taiko drums to make that will then be made into cell phone charms, so that will keep me busy through the end of the week and likely into the week-end.

Will also work on a taiko brooch/pin, since I've had a request from a couple of students in our taiko class. This is something I've been meaning to design for some time but never got around to.

Also am working with an expectant mom, a return customer (yay for return customers!), to make birth announcements for her second child.

Look! I made a pendant with my avatar, the Pudgy Waiting Cat, inspired by the late great Jerzy who died at the age of 19 in 2006. The original stamp is larger than this, so I scanned the image, made it pendant size and did the whole image transfer thing.

♪♫ Ta-daaa ♪♫ I think I'll put that up in my shop. Still working on other pendant designs that are taking a little longer...

I guess this means I've really got to get to work now.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Down for the day

I felt really lousy today. Not sure what it was, but I had a terrible headache this morning, and I rarely get headaches. JF told me to go back to bed and sleep a little more since I looked pretty icky, but I kept insisting I would be fine. Of course, I ended up on the sofa after breakfast until early afternoon and didn't budge.

Well, actually I budged a little when Ebi the cat came to sleep with me - the first time ever! He came to live with us on October 21st and it's taken awhile for him to get used to living here, especially since we already have Chibi, who you can see in this photo at my feet.

It's been rough on both of them, but they are slowly adjusting - probably because they have come to grips with the fact they have no choice... We're happy having Ebi here since he was my mom's cat (she passed away in the summer of 2006) and strangely enough, it's a bit like having a part of her with us ☺

Anyway, I was so thrilled with Ebi coming to sleep with me that I flailed my arm around to get JF to take a photo - who knows when this will happen again. I think Ebi just wanted my spot on the sofa.

It's really to your advantage that you cannot see my face today - it's the same colour as my t-shirt.

I feel much better now, and hopefully with a good night's sleep, I'll be good as new tomorrow. Lots to do!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

I think I need a nap, but I have lots to say.

I had a custom photo pendant to do for today which I had forgotten about this week so I ended up working on it last night. I generally like to make these at least a few days in advance of the deadline so that if something doesn't quite work out, I have time to try again. Well, of course something had to go wrong.

Rule #1 with custom photo pendant work: Once the photo has been scanned and adjusted, and then printed on the transfer medium, check it again against the original photo since differences in computer screens and printers can result in very different colours. I didn't do this and went through the whole process of transferring it onto liquid clay and then making it into a pendant... only to check at the end of all that and realize that the lovely little red-headed girl that I had been staring at throughout the pendant making, is actually blond. Hello.

That realization came at around 1:30am this morning, so I had to start all over again. Readjust colour, print, transfer, make the pendant, varnish. This time all seemed fine and I made a few other pendants since I was wide awake from stress. Off to bed at 4:30am.

Up at 8:30 to find an air bubble that had formed in the four short hours I was sleeping. Air bubbles are not my friends. My attempt at fixing it resulted in a disaster... and yes, I had to start over again. But the final version looks good! Moving on.

I also finished some custom bracelets that accompany these pendants I made for four little girls a few weeks back. The bracelets are for their moms who are the BEST of best friends; the mini birdies represent the moms and the hearts are for their four girls (they each have two daughters who are like sisters). The birds and textured hearts are made with Kato polyclay in my handmixed colours. You can click here to see the girls' pendants, if you like.

As for the girls' necklaces, the bracelets' message hold true: a friend is never far away.

YesterdayI didn't write yesterday. Not sure how much snow we got, but must've been close to 30cm. Friday night was terrible, with ice pellets (ouch) and lots of wind (ouch). Here is a car just outside our front door.

I really wanted molasses cookies when we got back from taiko practice yesterday afternoon. No, I shouldn't be eating such yummies all the time (last week it was these brownies), but I figure if I want something sweet, I'll go for homemade anyday. My mom was a supreme baker so we were always spoiled with freshly baked stuff at home ♥♥♥

These aren't as molasses-y as some, but they are definitely yummy. Soft and chewy on the inside with a nice sugar crunch on top. Harmony of textures.

You'd like to try them? Here you go! Really easy and reeeeealllllly yummy. There are many recipes for these on the internet, but here's my version, should you ever be in the mood ☺

Soft Molasses Cookies
Makes approx. 36 cookies , 350 degrees
1 cup Crisco shortening
2/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend thoroughly with wire whisk. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until dough is blended and smooth. Roll dough into balls and flatten slightly. Dip tops in granulated sugar; place around 1.5" apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 11 minutes, or until puffed up. Cool on wire rack. Eat immediately for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

I think I'll go for a little snooze now.



Friday, February 1, 2008

My happy little doxie is featured...

Had to write again!

My little Happy Doxie card,




is a featured item in today’s Etsy Finds newsletter! Yaaay! The one I had up in my shop sold already, so I've got another one up. Way to go, little doggie ☺

I’m offering a Buy one get one at 50% off to subscribers of that newsletter, and I will also offer it to my blog readers for today Friday, Feb. 1st, until midnight EST. Come and have a peek in my Etsy shop!

Off to make more cards and other delights...

Just some shots...

Been working on some custom orders lately, which I always enjoy. Hop from project to project while trying to work on new designs too. At times challenging but usually fun. I sent out this set earlier this week; I love this paper pattern! The customer seemed pretty happy with it, a gift for her daughter. She sent me a photo of the dress she made her, and this pattern went just perfectly with it!



I took some photos in the bright sunlight yesterday, and I like the way they turned out since it was so sunny, but I may have to avoid that from now on since I’m not sure the colours are always accurate in the sunlight. Actually on this more neutral background the colours are good, but on this very saturated limey-olive background (which i adore) I will have to be more careful. I think depending on the colour of the pendant too - something lighter in colour will absorb more of the back colour with the reflection. Sorry, just talking off the top of my head...

I listed these:

Will list this later on this morning:



Must... go... have... coffee... now.