the b-line | bless you!: April 2008

Feels so good!

>> – etsy, felt, front page, selling, the b-line, thebline, treasury

front page felt
Originally uploaded by thebline

Okay, now I like felt even more! I was so excited today to see my treasury reach the front page! My heart is still racing! (I know, I know, but if you'll remember, I just made this a goal of mine a few days back!)

As I was keeping track of my front-page treasury, I noticed something curious--the items were changing. Those that I had placed as alternates were showing up in the treasury. So, I did a little investigating and it turned out that 6 of the items in my treasury had been purchased! (And in a cute twist, I learned that one of the shops I featured actually bought from another of the featured shops as a result of the treasury. Unfortunately, she bought something I was eyeing myself!) I had no idea what a difference being on the front page had for sales. Which brings me to my second goal--being featured in a front page treasury....(sorry, drifted off into dreamland for a bit). Now I know being featured on the front page doesn't guarantee sales, but it certainly would be great exposure. (For now, I'll cherish seeing "Picked by thebline" on the FP!) It feels like I'll never get noticed on Etsy sometimes--so many things going on at once, and so many wonderful pieces to focus on. I'm afraid that the b-line might remain the proverbial needle in a haystack. Now, where's that magnet....

...follow the breadcrumbs ...

felt so nice

>> – etsy, felt, the b-line, thebline, treasury

felt so nice
Originally uploaded by thebline

What is it with felt? Seems like a lot of felt items have made their way to etsy lately (or at least I'm noticing them lately), and to be honest, I can't get enough. I love the way felt absorbs light, so you get these beautiful saturated tones and matte finish. And I love the way it feels too--soft and substantial.

So, here's my little tribute to felt. Wish I could think of a more creative way to use it myself. Right now, the only felt "project" I have is making more of the little pouches I ship the b-line pieces in. I've got plenty of beads and findings to keep me busy for now!

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Two years and counting...

>> – anniversary, dating, etsy, marriage, the b-line, thebline

On April 28, 2006, Andy and I went on our first date. At least that's what we decided a few weeks later, after having the talk and deciding that we were definitely a couple. Our "date" was actually a big party that we went to together, so you can probably see why the date wasn't exactly obvious. What was obvious to both of us, even before we made the transition from friends to coupledom, was that we truly enjoyed being together. I was the one who resisted taking our relationship to the next level, fearing that if it didn't work out, I'd lose the wonderful relationship that I cherished. But Andy finally won me over, and I became convinced that we just might work. So, that big party marked the day on which I let go of my fears (at least a bit) and latched on to this idea that we might actually make a good team. I couldn't have been more right! (Yes, Andy, you deserve the credit for realizing this first!)

It's been two years now, and in that time, Andy and I made another transition--as you can see from the photo above--we got married last December! Andy is such a wonderful person and I can't imagine my life without him. He's the love of my life. I'm so glad I took the plunge!

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Sweet Lola

>> – dining, Lola, the b-line, thebline, weimaraner, work

lola
Originally uploaded by thebline

It's a little cooler today, and we've had the windows and doors shut. Lola's a bit stir-crazy, as she just MUST know what is going on outside. Andy and I are not so thrilled with the chore of letting her out every 15 minutes so she can check on things. Hence the pose you see here--Lola's at her post in the dining room (actually sitting on the dining chair!) surveying the land beyond. Though you can't see in the photo, Andy and I are right behind her keeping an eye on things as well (though for Andy, that means reading the news online and for me, it's checking out what is happening in Estyland).

Where's Sita in all of this? Sleeping, of course!

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Eenie meenie minie mo....

>> – beads, dogs, etsy, jewelry, the b-line, thebline

I just love the weekend, particularly Saturdays. It's so nice to be able to sleep in, start the day off doing fun and creative things, and not be in a rush to get out the door. This morning, sleeping in wasn't really possible. With more hints of spring and warmer weather arriving each day, the dogs are completely obsessed with what is going on outside. So we're in that phase where we've got to get used to hearing our neighbors because all of the windows are open again. I love having the house open, but I could use another hour of sleep.

At any rate, this morning I took advantage of the time to make a few things. This is a photo of PART of my bead stash. It's really getting ridiculous how many beads and findings I've accumulated. Unfortunately, we don't have a workroom in our house, so the dining table has been sacrificed for the b-line. Most days you can even see that there is a table underneath all of the stuff! Sadly, I must admit that this will not stop me from going to a local beadstore today to see what else might suit this magpie's eye.

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I love treasuries!

>> – beatles, couples, etsy, front page, thebline, treasury, two of us

I just love making treasuries. I enjoy the challenge of sorting through what seems like an endless supply of created things to put together a collage that is cohesive and inspiring in its own way. Last night, I managed to stay up until the treasuries turned over. Here's what I came up with. I kept seeing sets of two and it made think of how happy I am to have found my other half. I'm hoping this one makes it to the front page!

I'm also hoping the b-line will make it to the front page some day, as part of someone else's treasury. But, these are early days, and I'm trying to be patient as I wait for people to discover my teeny little shop on Etsy. I am so fortunate for the sales I've had, given that I just opened shop about a month ago. Hoorah!

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for starters

>> – castteam, childhood, crafts, earrings, etsy, handmade, introduction, jewelry, the b-line, thebline

My first post, so I guess I little introduction is in order. Blogging has been around for a while and I guess I'm finally catching on. I suppose I just couldn't imagine what I would write about, so I never paid much attention to the whole blogging thing. But lately, I've gotten really involve (okay, obsessed) with my hobby, making jewelry, and this place seems as good as any to talk about it.

I've always been the creative sort. I can remember thinking up "craft" projects all the time in grade school. I even got teased a bit for being "artsy-craftsy" by my best friend (I didn't mind!). I loved to sculpt tiny animals out of clay, to sketch, to design clothes (that I almost never wore), and rearrange my bedroom weekly.

As an adult, my projects have focused mainly on crocheting, card-making, and jewelry making. I make things that I enjoy (and would wear) and things that I think others would like. Many of my projects end up being gifts for my loved ones. Recently, though, I considered trying to sell some of my things. I was on spring break (I teach chemistry at a small, liberal arts college) and had a little time to watch daytime tv. Martha Stewart had a segment on her show during which Emily Martin (http://theblackapple.etsy.com/) showed how to make one of her adorable dolls. I few days later, Andy (my hubby) and I were talking about the prospect of my selling jewelry online, and I remembered that segment, and the website that was mentioned, http://www.etsy.com/, and I went straight there. What a fabulous idea!

Etsy is amazing. I opened my shop, the b-line, that week and have been obsessed ever since. I just love searching through the pages to see who's making what and how they find their inspiration. Check it out if you haven't already! If you are already an Etsian, you know what I am talking about. Let's just say that Etsy provides a nice distraction from my day job.

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