Portfolio

Whenever I have a craft show coming up, I think of how great it would be to have a photo album of my work, in case customers would like to see more of what I do. Up until now, I've never gotten around to actually doing it.

And then just awhile ago I read about an idea in the Etsy forums, of making a photo book of your work, a catalogue or portfolio of sorts. I went online right away, to look for a book maker. And here's the finished product:

Cover

Some chiyogami pieces

Other jewellery

Craft shows and my work space
To print my book, I had decided to go with Future Photo, since I wanted to support a Canadian company. Although everything was easy to set up and my book was fun to make, I'm sorry to say I would not recommend ordering from them. You may not be able to tell here, but the photo quality is poor and inconsistent. When I received my book a couple weeks ago, I contacted them to let them know I was not satisfied with their product, and they promptly ordered another one for me. I assumed that since a complaint was made that they would be sending me an improved second version. Not so. I now have two books that aren't so hot, but at least I won't be so stressed at losing them or having someone walk off with them at a craft show.

I am going to try http://www.blurb.com/ for the next one. I've read great things about them, and wish I had found them first! Oh well, live and learn.

My second cup of coffee awaits...

I hope my parents are watching...

I was contacted yesterday by the publishers of 1000 Handmade Greeting Cards (Quarry Books), who let me know that three of my card designs have been selected for their publication! Can you believe it? Here are the ones they chose (*please click on them for detail - finally figured that out!):

One in my Happy Doxie series

My origami crane decoration/card combo

My Splashing Koi

I submitted some cards back in January and mentioned it here in my blog, but figured since I hadn't heard back then I hadn't been chosen. I was totally shocked yesterday since I thought the deadline was long passed. Nice shock. Lots of other Etsy card-makers will also be published ☺

Last year some of my pieces were selected for another book in this series, 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, set to come out in June (also chock-full of Etsy jewellery makers).

It's actually available for preorder now on http://www.amazon.ca/, and I guess http://www.amazon.com/ too! I guess this book will come out some time next year - can't wait to see it.

Mom, Dad... can you see me? ☺

Call for submissions and coffee...

I took some time to take photos of some newer bookmarks I've been making and posted them in my Etsy shop. I'm never sure if a bookmark is something people will actually be interested in buying, but then I'm always surprised at craft shows - at one show they're a big hit and I run out, and at another they're left gathering dust in my display. Go figure.

I now cover them in these neat vinyl cases, so they are well protected and more sturdy than my previous design. And I've also done away with the little bead tassle for a cleaner look. These are a few of my "Fishies" bookmarks, and below that, a bookmark in action...

Rockport Quarry Books is publishing a book called 1000 Handmade Greeting Cards, and they put out a call for entries. I submitted several designs yesterday, so I will keep my fingers crossed! Here's my "Bundled Baby" card, along with one in my "Pudgy Waiting Cat" series, which I sent in, among others.



I don't think I told you, but some of my jewellery designs were accepted for another book in this series, 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, which is set to come out in June 2008.

I'm so excited! My sushi platter pendant and earrings were chosen, as well as my chiyogami pendant and brooch.

To nourish my creativity...!
I'm off to make another coffee before heading into my workshop for the day. My husband got me a Bodum French press last week since this drip coffee maker I got on sale before the holidays was small, cute and cheap, but didn't make very tasty coffee, especially when making only a cup at a time. The Bodum is great, since you let the coffee soak in hot water for a few minutes before pushing the coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot with a filtered plunger; the result is a full-flavoured, heart-palpitating drink that makes me do a little jig! If you love coffee that actually tastes like coffee (as opposed to what I call "brown crayon water"), this is the coffee maker for you. I don't think JF knew just how happy this little coffee pot would make me.

Looking forward to my second happy dance of the day...